Alcohol & Drug Rehab for College Students in Tampa, FL

Addiction Treatment for College Students, Prescription Drugs, Alcohol, and Narcotics

College life can be intense. It’s a highly dynamic time that’s often complemented with good times and great friends, not to mention enriching classes. However, there’s no doubt that college life can have a dark side too. For many, college is the first time they’ve lived independently, which can be stressful. The academic side of college can be hectic for many students who might find themselves struggling. There are also social pressures and access to a wide range of addictive substances that can prove problematic for many students.

It’s no secret that many students unwind or socialize with alcohol or other addictive substances. Although many of Tampa’s universities and colleges encourage students to avoid drugs and drink in moderation, the Florida party scene is somewhat notorious. It can be easy to get caught up in a partying lifestyle that not only detracts from one’s education; it can pave the road to addiction.

Many students are unaware they are developing a tolerance to drugs or alcohol. After all, they may be surrounded by others who appear to be doing the same types of things. But everyone is different. One person may develop a dependency sooner than another. As people continue to drink or use drugs at increasing doses, they can develop an addiction, a chronic condition that cannot be cured but only managed with abstinence.

If you are struggling with a drinking or drug abuse problem, it’s vital to get evaluated at a nearby Tampa area treatment center like WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab. We feature a state-of-the-art luxury rehab in nearby Plant City. We treat people of all ages, including college students who want to reclaim control over their lives and health. An addiction to alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription drugs can sabotage a person’s future just as it’s getting started. Don’t let drugs and alcohol ruin your education, future career, and health. WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab can help you put your addiction behind you so you can achieve your goals and safeguard your future.

At WhiteSands, we provide the best drug rehab program in Tampa FL for adults of all ages, including college students. We treat the mind, body, and spirit while providing a range of addiction treatment programs. Some people prefer to attend outpatient treatment at one of our outpatient centers. Others may require inpatient treatment at our residential Plant City rehab.

When someone first visits us for an evaluation, we assess their condition to help them select the ideal course of treatment for their needs. We customize our treatment plans, so each client gets the support they need to recover. Within each program, we offer medically sanctioned therapies, alternative therapies, and holistic treatments. Together, these therapies can lead to lasting recovery.

College students who check-in for treatment for a prescription drug addiction have many treatment options at our facilities. At the core of our programs is one-on-one counseling. Our therapists help clients understand what triggers led them to abuse prescription drugs in the first place. Often, students addicted to these drugs relied on them to help them study all night or make them more alert. On the other hand, some students become addicted to prescription painkillers like oxycodone or sleeping medications like Ambien.

Once an individual understands why they became addicted and what their triggers are, we can help them develop coping strategies in healthy ways. It can be challenging for college students to avoid situations where these drugs and alcohol will be present, but it’s certainly possible. With treatment, college students can get the support they need to make crucial lifestyle changes.

We also help people overcome addictions to illicit drugs like heroin or cocaine. Besides our evidence-based treatments like individual counseling and peer group meetings, we also offer alternative addiction treatments that support recovery. People abuse drugs like cocaine, meth, and heroin for different reasons. Often, negative emotions or a past traumatic event(s) triggers them to use these drugs. They may crave the high and feeling of ‘reward’ that these drugs provide. They may enjoy ‘escaping’ from stress with these substances.

Unfortunately, these drugs will wreck an individual’s physical and mental health. They can also lead to overdose with any use. Sometimes alternative treatments like yoga or art therapy provide adequate support for overcoming these addictions. For instance, it can be difficult for some young adults to express themselves verbally. Art therapy allows them to explore their feelings through the medium of art.

Other students come to WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab suffering from an alcohol addiction, which is very common among this demographic. Alcohol abuse may involve binge drinking or drinking heavily each day. If a person begins to experience withdrawal because they haven’t had a drink within a certain period, they may be suffering from an alcohol use disorder.

At our Plant City rehab, we treat alcohol addiction with many different therapies, including holistic treatments like physical fitness. Alcohol can ravish a person’s health. Physical fitness can help them rebuild their mind and body health. Exercise is an excellent form of therapy because it releases feel-good hormones that reward both the brain and body. After a fitness session, people feel good mentally and physically.

Our focus on physical fitness and nutrition resonates with many college students who enroll in our treatment programs and want to feel healthy again and regain control over their bodies. Holistic therapy complements our medically sanctioned therapies and can enhance recovery. Many of our clients continue to pursue their fitness goals long after they leave rehab.

We help clients recognize their unhealthy patterns and habits during our therapy sessions and find new, healthy ways of living instead. Once students return to campus life, they need to practice these strategies to maintain their sobriety. It can be challenging to shed former habits, but everything they learned in our Tampa luxury rehab can support their sober-living goals.

Because our therapists know how challenging it can be to maintain sobriety during the initial year after rehab, WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab features a strong focus on relapse prevention. We help each client understand the different phases of relapse to stop themselves from using a drug or taking a drink. Relapse has an emotional, mental, and physical stage. During the emotional phase, a person begins to experience negative emotions like fear or anger. If they don’t quell these emotions with an effective strategy like yoga, they can progress to the mental phase when they begin to think about using again. Their habit may have been to drink or abuse drugs when they became emotionally unstable.

Of course, the final stage is when the person actually does drink or use drugs. That is the physical relapse, but the relapse begins in the mind. So, many of the strategies we help clients develop have a mental component. For example, exercise supports physical health, but it also reduces stress. When people have positive activities they can turn to combat the stress and negative emotions in their lives, they are less likely to relapse.

We’ve been able to help hundreds of college students get their lives back on track. The most challenging part for these individuals entails recognizing that they need help in our experience. Too often, people think they can control their problem on their own. So, we take time to educate our clients and help them understand that addiction is not a condition that is ever likely to be controlled without formal therapy designed to address this disease’s problematic aspects.

Once clients enter our rehab, learn, and begin to overcome their physical and mental dependence on drugs or alcohol, they can start to recover. Our programs have a dual focus, which means they’re highly individualized and social. We feature an incredibly supportive community. Often, our college students play a substantial role in support group sessions. They also enjoy participating in group activities like sand volleyball and basketball.

It’s difficult for students to avoid other students who drink or use drugs once they return to college life. So, we help them embrace strategies like sports and physical fitness to replace former unhealthy activities. They may absolutely have to leave behind former social circles. We encourage them to attend support groups and meet other people committed to leading sober lives.

Recovery Friendly Ways for Students to Have Fun in Tampa

To keep your recovery on track after leaving rehab, it’s essential to look for ways to have fun that have nothing to do with drugs or alcohol. There are many sites and activities around Tampa that support a sober lifestyle. We suggest checking out these places around the city that are ideal for people who are recovering from an addiction:

Tampa Theatre

Check out new and old films and concerts, and events at the Tampa Theatre. This distinctive setting features unique architecture and a terrific mix of domestic and foreign films.

711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602

Manatee Viewing Center at Apollo Beach

Manatees are drawn to Apollo Beach because of the warm waters there that are heated by Tampa Electric. Visit to check out the manatees or to enjoy a scenic hike. Getting out into nature is a great way to clear your mind and unload some stress.

6990 Dickman Rd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572

Tampa Museum of Art

De-stress with a visit to the Tampa Museum of Art to enjoy its permanent and temporary exhibits. The museum’s collections include classical antiquities, modern and contemporary art, and decorative arts and sculpture.

120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602

Ben T. Davis Beach

This picturesque beach is a gorgeous getaway on the water. It features a great beach volleyball scene and is the perfect place to relax.

7740 W Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa, FL 33607

Lettuce Lake Park

Take a nature break at Lettuce Lake Park and rent a canoe, enjoy a hike, or check out the area wildlife. The park is situated in a hardwood swamp forest and features a flora and fauna’s wealth.

6920 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33637

If you are struggling with an alcohol or drug abuse problem, you can stop it in its tracks by enrolling in a treatment program at WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab. Our addiction specialists can help you find the best plan for your needs. The sooner you get help, the faster you can protect your health and future from addiction.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.