Education’s Role in Addiction Recovery

The Power of Knowledge

Education is a powerful tool when it comes to empowering people in their lives. Learning new skills and pursuing academic goals offer new opportunities for people in recovery. Many individuals find that pursuing an education like a college degree or certification provides a sense of self-worth, which often disappears while in the middle of their addiction. Whether the person is learning a trade, pursuing a degree or learning life skills like time management or financial skills, education empowers people in recovery to create a better life for themselves and their families.

Receiving an education also provides the individual many opportunities to get involved in their community through clubs and other group events. Becoming involved helps the individual learn skills like leadership and how to work together with other people to reach a common goal.

Building Resilience, Coping Skills

Going back to school isn’t just about the learning process. It helps people develop important skills for life like critical thinking, emotional resilience and problem-solving. Possessing these skills helps individuals navigate the world with a better ability to identify potential triggers that may lead to relapse.

Receiving an education by itself provides enough stress for any person let alone someone dealing with addiction. Through classroom and group settings, the person can learn stress management techniques and coping strategies that will not only help them receive an education but in their daily lives. Education also provides a sense of structure, helping those in recovery stay motivated and focused during their recovery.

Providing Long-Term Stability, Promoting Success

Receiving an education provides the individual many opportunities to achieve success in the long term. Employment prospects rise for the person, which helps lead to financial stability. Many people in recovery struggle with finding employment because of legal issues, employment gaps and lack of qualification for many jobs. Education bridges that gap by providing the person with the credentials needed to enter or re-enter the workforce.

Higher education, certification programs and vocational schools can help the person receive better job opportunities in their life, leading to financial independence. This helps reduce the chance of relapse, as financial stress can be a key trigger when it comes to substance abuse and addiction.

Joe McNamara, recovery coach at Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery, said receiving an education has helped with his long-term success by providing him with the tools he needs to reach his goals.

“Education has definitely provided me with more opportunities,” he said. “I have always had a clear goal in mind that I want to help people, be able to afford a home and raise a family and I knew I needed an education to make these dreams happen.”

By achieving educational goals, the person receives skills for long-term success and gains a sense of accomplishment that raises self-esteem, which is crucial for maintaining long-term sobriety.

Education plays a vital role in the recovery process as it helps empower, creates resilience and provides long-term stability for the individual. By investing in education, people in recovery can build a prosperous and fulfilling life while overcoming their addiction. FBN

By Roy DuPrez

Roy DuPrez, M.Ed., is the CEO and founder of Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery in Flagstaff. DuPrez received his B.S. and M.Ed. from Northern Arizona University. Back2Basics helps young men, ages 18 to 35, recover from addiction to drugs and alcohol. Back2Basics is an adventure recovery program, up to six months, for young adult males ages 18-30 with substance abuse issues looking for a positive and meaningful life. In the program, clients are exposed to a weekly combination of both wilderness adventures and residential programming. For more information, visit back2basicsoutdooradventures.com, call 928-814-2220 or email rduprez@b2badventures.com.