Introduction

The first few weeks and months of sobriety lay the groundwork for a new, substance-free or addiction free life. The Sophomore year (9 months) is very much like the first year because recovery is still a priority. The focus is still on stabilizing physically and emotionally. Although, a reduction in cravings should be noticeable. The focus should still be on restructuring and building new healthy habits.  The focus is to keep doing what worked in the first year:

• Continue to build strong coping mechanisms: Continue to address the root causes of addiction, identify triggers, and continue to develop effective strategies to manage cravings and high-risk situations. This is still the most crucial.

• Develop healthy routines and social connections: Continue to work on the habits of consistent self-care, and building a supportive network of healthy influences, Church, NA meetings and Therapy are still vital.

• Address mental health conditions: Mental health disorders like anxiety and depression tend to become more noticeable. Speak to your therapist about any changes in your emotions or thinking. The therapists on campus are familiar and qualified with the stages of recovery. It is crucial to take advantage of their professional support. Therapy and mind mapping is still necessary. 

• Rebuild relationships and address past damage: Start taking steps to repair relationships affected by addiction and making amends when possible. This can take time, but it does heal emotionally. Praying can help reveal which relationships to work on and which relationships cause damage. 

• Find a sense of purpose: With the cravings lessening the need to have purpose becomes more important. The reading assignments really help direct a person in knowing how to find their purpose. The reading this year is a little less intense because we also focus on furthering your education and career. A sense of purpose is needed for long term recovery. 

Expectations and goals

The expectation is to keep going. The Sophomore year is characterized by the hard work of confronting the impact of addiction and actively building a new future. The hard part of addiction is often confrontation. That should be the goal this year. Learn to stand up and “fight” for the life that is meant to be. What worked in the Freshman year needs to be done in the Sophomore year.

Course materials

Required materials

· Bible

· Notebook

· Pen (s)

· ID Badge 

·  Physical Books for the reading assignments (NO AUDIO or E-BOOKS)

·  Workbooks for Reading Assignments, Educational Courses, ADL’s, Morning Journal, Podcast, Mind Mapping, Food Log, Schedule, and Sunday Assignments. 

Optional materials

· Vitamins and Supplements (After consulting a medical professional)