Can I Go to Treatment While I’m in College? And Other FAQ About Addiction Treatment for Young Adults

College is supposed to be the best years of your life, right? But here you are, wondering if you need to go to rehab. You’re not alone. Many young adults struggle with substance abuse and addiction during their college years. Realizing your partying may have gone too far isn’t an easy thing to face up to. One of the biggest questions students like you have is whether it’s even possible to go to treatment without derailing your entire college experience. Let’s talk about that - and a few other things you might be wondering. 

“Can I Really Go to Treatment While Staying in School?”

Yes, you absolutely can. Many addiction treatment programs are designed with students in mind. Monument Recovery is no exception. Intensive outpatient programs allow you to live at home (or on campus) and attend treatment sessions a few times a week. It’s like adding another class to your schedule, but instead of stressing over exams, you’re learning how to live a healthier, addiction-free life.

There’s also the option of taking a temporary leave of absence from school. And no, this doesn’t mean you’re failing at life. Taking a semester off to focus on treatment can actually set you up for success in the long run. Colleges are more understanding about this than you might think. Many have collegiate recovery centers in place for students dealing with behavioral health issues, including addiction. 

“What About My Social Life?”

It’s no secret that college social life usually revolves around parties, tailgates, and bars. So, it’s natural to worry about how treatment will affect your relationships and ability to fit in. But think about reframing it like this - if your social life is tied to drinking or using, is it really serving you in the long run? True friends will support your decision to get help. And here’s the cool thing: more and more people are adopting a sober lifestyle. Getting sober might be the coolest thing you could do. 

“How Do I Even Start Looking for Treatment?”

Good question. The first step is to figure out what kind of treatment you need. Are you dealing with alcohol? Drugs? Both? A good place to start is your campus health center or collegiate recovery center. They can connect you with local treatment programs or counselors. If you’re worried about privacy, don’t be, these services are confidential. 

Another option is to call a helpline, like SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP). They can point you to resources tailored to your situation. Bonus tip: if you’re on your parents’ insurance, check to see what’s covered. Many insurance plans now include mental health and addiction treatment benefits thanks to changes in healthcare laws.

“Won’t Everyone Judge Me?”

People are going to have opinions about everything you do. But their opinions don’t pay your tuition or determine your quality of life. Going to treatment for substance abuse isn’t something to be ashamed of; it’s a brave step toward living the life you actually want. And you might be surprised how when you start to be open about your struggles, the more you’ll find others who relate. Addiction is way more common than people admit. 

Plus, treatment gives you tools to handle judgment - whether it’s real or just in your head. Confidence, boundaries, and self-respect? All part of the recovery package.

“Will It Actually Work?”

That largely depends on you. Rehab isn’t a magic wand. It’s a process, and it takes effort. If you put in the work, treatment can be effective. But like everything good in life, recovery takes commitment. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about progress; choosing to keep going, even when it’s hard.

“What If I Mess Up?”

There’s no “right” way to get sober. The only wrong way is to not try. And while relapse is a part of a lot of people’s recovery journey, it doesn’t have to be a part of yours. But relapse does happen. It’s not the end of the world. It’s a chance to learn and adjust. Recovery isn’t a straight line. What matters is that you keep trying. And treatment programs get this. They’ll work with you to figure out what went wrong and how to move forward.

The Bottom Line

If you’re even thinking about treatment, that’s a sign it might be the right move. Whether you choose outpatient care, take a semester off, or find another path, getting help doesn’t mean giving up on your life. It means giving yourself a chance to actually enjoy it. Give Monument Recovery a call today if you want to talk through your options. We’re here to help.