SIMSBURY, CT – For most students, attending college is an exciting time, a time for gaining independence, making new friends, and transitioning into adulthood. For others, it can be overwhelming, especially for someone recovering from a substance use disorder. There are many new challenges to face, like fitting in with the other students, maintaining class requirements, and carrying out responsibilities without the help of a parent’s oversight. Attending college also often means dealing with the increased availability of alcohol and other substances.
To help families plan for a successful transition to college, the Simsbury nonprofit, A Promise to Jordan, will present “Making College Work While in Recovery”, on Monday, February 7, 2022, from 6 to 8 p.m. The presentation will take place at “The Barn” at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 124 Old Farms Road, Simsbury, and all local restrictions with regard to the coronavirus pandemic will be followed. For anyone preferring to attend virtually, the presentation will also be available via Zoom.
In 2019, it was estimated that approximately 840,000 full-time college students were in recovery in the U.S., and approximately 64% of students who leave college early and don’t return cite behavioral health-related reasons as the cause.
Lisa Gray, Founder and Executive Director of A Promise to Jordan, says, “We’re excited to see that colleges and universities, including several schools here in Connecticut, are beginning to recognize the unique needs of students in recovery by creating collegiate recovery programs. As a result of these programs, at least 2.5 million college students across the country now have access to recovery support. This means that more students can feel comfortable attending college without the pressure of exposure to substances.”
The presentation will be led by Joel Singer, Ph.D., Founder and Managing Partner of Wayfinder Consulting, a Connecticut firm specializing in helping students succeed and meet their true potential. Dr. Singer is a former history teacher and varsity coach, as well as an academic and career consultant. Dr. Singer also leads the team currently providing life coaching services to individuals recovering from Opioid Use Disorder through a program being offered by A Promise to Jordan.
Dr. Singer will advise attendees on how to have a traditional college experience while remaining abstinent, and keeping abstinence as the top priority while performing academically, as well as share campus resources and other tips.
A Promise to Jordan is named in honor of Jordan Arakelian, a Simsbury resident who died of a heroin and fentanyl overdose on June 30, 2018 at the age of 24. His mother, Lisa Gray, started the 501c3 organization in his memory to raise awareness and eliminate the stigma of addiction, assist people in accessing quality care, and give hope that recovery is possible to those struggling with substance use disorders and their loved ones.
For more information on this event or A Promise to Jordan, visit www.apromisetojordan.org, or email info@apromosetojordan.org.
