<p>Interesting article about college's attempts at helping students who have alcohol and substance abuse problems.</p>
<p>That certainly is new to me. I have no complaints about it. Where I have some issues is when some of these substance free dorms are not making an effort whatsoever to maintain their purpose. My friend's son was in one of them, and she said that it was a label only. It's kind of strange that there is not such an effort to stamp out what is illegal to more than half the students.</p>
<p>Boy...I don't know. As you say, Jamimom, college admins aren't the best handholders. I'm not sure they are qualified to get into the recovery business. And the point about confidentiality is silly. Of course everyone knows what is happening in that house.</p>
<p>I agree, Cheers. Although I urge parents to check out the health resources including the mental health facilities, the reality of college is that the kids are really on their own. I mentioned that my son nearly lost a kidney because no one at the college took his complaints seriously, and he did not voice them to us. Friends of ours very sadly decided that their very bright daughter who had a truly sterling profile was not ready to go away to college because of her anorexia problems and other mental health issues. In the four years she stayed home and went to a local college, they were able to truly help her get things under control, and she is now at an ivy league graduate school. I am sure she could have been accepted at nearly any school in the country, but whether her issues could have been managed away from home is a whole other issue. I have seen and heard some true horror stories where the college just really chooses to look the other way when some problems are apparent. Not until it turns into a national new issue do they finally pay attention. It 's great to have a substance free dorm, but many times that is just a label. One of the things I found very true to form in the "Charlotte Simmons" book is the difference between the way things should be and the way they are with dorm rules, coed bathrooms, coed dorms, etc. You really cannot count on the university to take care of your student. I can tell you that personally I have been very frustrated with some people at some of my children's school who can't even give academic advice properly. I could not believe how these people have on such blinders that they can only see what they do. To expect those types to take care of your student is not realistic. </p>
<p>But coming back to the recovery dorms, I don't see a problem with having them. But enforcing the rules and ejecting a real trouble maker is a whole other issue. Being sexiled has been an unsolvable problem for years along with the roommate from hell, and if there is a miscreant on your floor in the dorms, getting him kicked out is no easy issue.</p>
<p>Still not sure if a college dorm is the best place for a young, recovering addict. And, having seen some kids go through de-tox programs, I'm not convinced that grouping recovering addicts is wise. Usually, there isn't a differentiation between pot smokers and heroin users. The light user gets exposed to all kinds of crazy stuff. Has been my observation... </p>
<p>Continue to have my doubts...</p>
<p>Yes, from what I have heard and read, the stats for recovering addicts are not good even in the best programs. But, you know, I guess it is better than throwing those kids in a regular dorm where the temptation is much, much stronger. At least the intention and philosophy of the recovery dorm is to help those who do have this issue.</p>
<p>Yes, Jmom, if you had PM, I would send you a great story on this topic!</p>