Three Tips for Being Sober in College

By Autumn McGowan
Web Content Contributor

College is a time of discovery. For many students, it is the first time they really get to feel independent and free to make their own choices. It’s a beautiful and defining period in any person’s life, and can be interesting to navigate as we figure out what works for us and what doesn’t.

If you’re like me, you may be considering or have decided to stay sober during your college experience for one reason or another. Choosing to be sober can be a very beneficial experience for some and if you’re thinking about trying it out, check out the tips below. Change can sometimes be scary even if it’s positive, and it helps to have a concrete place to start.

Surround Yourself With Community

I truly believe that this is the most important key to being a sober person, especially in the beginning. It’s vital to have a group of people with a common experience that you can call if you ever need advice or just a listening ear. I’ve found sober people to be some of the most interesting, hilarious, uplifting and caring people I’ve ever met and contrary to popular belief, they have tons of fun.

If you’re sober or thinking about becoming sober and are looking for a community but don’t know where to start, check out The Student Recovery Alliance.

Advocate For Yourself

It’s so important in sobriety to be your own biggest supporter. Ask yourself what your motivations are for being sober, and really keep those at the forefront of your mind. Some people may not be super supportive of your sober journey and that’s okay, but you might not necessarily want to spend a lot of time around them.

Don’t be afraid to leave situations that make you feel uncomfortable. Only you know what truly feels right for you.

Go Easy On Yourself

One thing that I noticed when I first became sober was a constant onslaught of emotions. Pure unadulterated feelings started hitting me from every angle. At first that was a little scary, but I noticed that after a while, sitting with my emotions got more comfortable. If you find yourself feeling this too, give yourself credit for how far you’ve come and be proud that you’re actively trying to improve yourself. I’ve found that keeping a journal really helps with this because it provides an opportunity to glimpse into the past and mark progress.

Above all else, remember to take it one day at a time.

Featured Image by Autumn McGowan