Drug or alcohol abuse, risky sexual behavior and unwanted pregnancy, suicide attempts, eating disorders, school failure, criminal activity and violence are all more likely to occur within this group of vulnerable young adults. Compared to other non-COA students, youth from addicted families also experience more injuries and illness, and are hospitalized more often for anxiety and depression. The good part is that, by making it to college, these students have shown they can overcome significant odds. Many may even be your best students. However, they may also be overwhelmed by the combination of new freedoms and the academic or social pressures of college life, resulting in poor performance in classes or possibly dropping out of school all together.
College is a time of personal growth and exploration.
It is also a time when underlying feelings about a family member's substance abuse can come to the surface, often for the first time. Even if they received help in high school, most colleges do not have programs specifically designed for students from addicted families. Students from addicted homes can benefit greatly from help coming to terms with their family situation and developing skills for success. Options helps students understand their family and their past experiences, while giving them usable solutions for the future. One of the great things about Options is that it can be customized to match a college or university's specific needs.