Challenges of Maintaining Sobriety for Adults in Recovery Returning to College

Alcohol abuse is a prevalent problem among college students, with negative consequences on academic performance, social interactions, and well-being. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences and challenges of sobriety for recovering adults returning to college. Sociocultural theory was used to gain insights into participants’ experiences including resilience, risk and protective factors, and stress. Data were collected from semi structured interviews with three college students who were recovering adults. The data included participants’ responses regarding intervention or mediation techniques that eased their barriers and challenges during their academic journey. The findings revealed core themes surrounding motivation for sobriety, recovery strategies, challenges and struggles, treatment programs, personal journey, and future goals. Findings may be used to promote a more inclusive and supportive educational environment by informing interventions and support systems for recovering adults returning to college. The implications highlight the potential for fostering positive social change through increased awareness of resilience skills and protective factors that contribute to academic success for this population.