College Excel: Coaching: Recovery Support

Real world recovery

We live in an addictive society, bombarded with media hype that tells us to eat, drink, smoke, swallow or buy something to find relief or be happy. Whether it's clothes, IM'ing, alcohol, sleep or videogames, we all have our methods of escaping from the complexities and pressures of life.

At College Excel we offer coaching and educational support for students working to abstain from activities and behaviors that have become their higher power. We're not a treatment center or an aftercare program, but we understand that a good percentage of students needs practice and reminders of how to find fulfillment and relief from within themselves.

College Excel co-founder, Jeannie Crowell, has worked extensively with students in recovery and has developed programs and curricula related to addiction. In response to needs in this area – yet keeping with our philosophy – Jeannie has developed a curriculum she teaches once a term that is open to any student.

This curriculum helps students understand how brain physiology causes their cravings and why they experience depression, anger, and anxiety after they stop self-medicating. Her simple, yet often profound, explanations help students deal with their addictions in a positive light. In every class, students learn techniques to replace their addictive habits and provide relief from unwanted symptoms. Students discuss their reliance on self-medicating to stabilize their brain chemistry and learn how to seek professional help and healthy solutions for better, longer lasting results.

We also provide a peer support recovery group for students who need feedback and the opportunity to build honest, healthy relationships with thier peers. The group runs weekly and is facilitated by College Excel coaches.

The Bend community also has more than 50 different support groups, including numerous AA, NA, FA and CODA meetings, outpatient treatment for drug and alcohol abuse, addiction counselors and private support groups. A College Excel alumni project is currently working on establishing AA and NA meetings on the OSU/COCC campus.