It is estimated that over 20 million Americans are in need of treatment for drug or alcohol addiction, of those 7 million are college age students.
According to Oriana Murphy, Associate Executive Director of Sober College, a young adult’s path to sustainable, long-term sobriety and healthy living requires an approach that is comprehensive, specifically tailored to age, and creates an emotional attachment to the idea of being sober.
Under an umbrella of understanding that addiction is a primary and chronic disease of the brain, Sober College’s highly trained team of experts has developed a comprehensive, long-term, creative, refreshingly real, and frankly, fun approach to healing for young adults (ages 18-26).
In partnership with Woodbury University, Sober College is the only rehab in the country that combines college education and addiction treatment. College courses on-site not only help students work towards their academic goals, but their recovery goals as well.
Join us as Murphy discusses the benefits of academics in helping heal the brain after being damaged by drug and alcohol use by improving executive functioning and memory, and the role it plays in helping young adults cope with difficult emotions, and living and enjoying life while sober.
Special Note: Today’s interview is being filmed at the Sober College Studio and will be available for viewing on Sober College and Answers for the Family web sites, YouTube channels and other social media in the near future.
ABOUT ORIANA MURPHY
Oriana Murphy, Associate Executive Director of Sober College, has shown passionate dedication to those who struggle with addiction issues through her extensive studies and over 12 years of experience in the fields of addiction and mental health treatment.
Oriana earned her Masters of Social Work from the University of Southern California and completed a Masters of Arts in Psychology with a specialization in Addiction and Certification as a CADCII Counselor. She has experience working in all aspects of the field, both inpatient and outpatient settings, and is well known and respected throughout the Southern California recovery community.
Over the past couple years, Oriana has shifted her focus from direct client care to programmatic oversight. She was promoted in 2015 from Director of Recovery Services to Associate Executive Director. Oriana supervises the team of directors, the counseling department, oversees communication and coordination of care with families, and is responsible for ensuring quality services in the Sobriety Component of Sober College’s Five Core Competency Model.
