67 Best Resources for First-Generation College Students Struggling with Substance Use

First-generation college students face unique challenges as they navigate higher education without the benefit of parents who have experienced college. When substance use issues arise, these students often encounter additional barriers to seeking help and finding appropriate support. 

Being the first in your family to attend college brings tremendous pride and pressure. The unfamiliar environment, academic expectations, financial concerns, and cultural adjustments can create stress that may contribute to unhealthy coping mechanisms, including substance use. 

First-generation students often lack the guidance, support systems, and financial resources that continuing-generation students take for granted, making it more difficult to access help when substance use becomes problematic.

Whether you’re a student seeking help for yourself, a family member looking for ways to support your loved one, or a college professional working with first-generation students, this guide provides a comprehensive collection of resources to address substance use issues at every stage—from prevention and early intervention to treatment and long-term recovery support.

This guide recognizes the intersection of first-generation status with other aspects of identity, including race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and immigration status. 

The resources included here have been selected with attention to cultural competence, accessibility, and relevance to the diverse experiences of first-generation college students across the United States.

At Hand in Hand Recovery Center, we understand how difficult it can be for young men—especially college students—to ask for help. If you’re concerned about your college student’s well-being, contact our addiction treatment center in Marietta, Georgia, today to learn how we can help your family take the first step toward recovery.

Understanding the Unique Challenges

First-generation college students struggling with substance use face a complex set of challenges that can make both academic success and recovery more difficult to achieve.

Family Pressure and Cultural Differences

Many first-generation students bear the weight of their family’s hopes and dreams. They may be expected to succeed not just for themselves but for their entire family, creating intense pressure that can contribute to anxiety, depression, and substance use as a coping mechanism. 

Cultural differences in how substance use is viewed and addressed can also create barriers to seeking help, particularly among immigrant families or those from communities where addiction is heavily stigmatized.

Lack of Guidance and Support Systems

Without parents who have navigated higher education, first-generation students often lack the guidance and support systems that continuing-generation students take for granted. 

This can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection from campus life, which are risk factors for substance use. 

Research shows that strong social support networks are protective factors against substance use disorders, and first-generation students may have more limited access to these networks.

Financial Barriers to Treatment

First-generation college students are more likely to come from lower-income backgrounds, creating significant barriers to accessing substance use treatment and recovery support services. 

Even when campus-based services are available, first-generation students are more likely to work longer at off-campus jobs, limiting their ability to utilize these resources. 

Financial concerns may also prevent students from seeking help due to fears about the cost of treatment or potential loss of financial aid if substance use issues affect their academic performance.

Navigating Complex Systems

College campuses and healthcare systems can be challenging to navigate, especially for students who are the first in their family to attend college. Understanding insurance coverage, finding appropriate treatment options, and accessing campus resources require knowledge and skills that first-generation students may not have developed. 

This can create additional barriers to seeking and receiving help for substance use issues.

U.S. Statistics and Trends

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 600,000 Americans in recovery from substance use disorders currently attend college. 

First-generation college students, who make up about one-third of all college students in the United States, face unique challenges that can increase their vulnerability to substance use issues.

Research indicates that while first-generation college students may drink less than their continuing-generation peers, they often experience more severe consequences when they do engage in substance use. 

This disparity is particularly pronounced among first-generation students from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds.

Studies show that approximately 39% of college students engage in binge drinking, and 22.2% report illicit drug use. 

However, these rates vary significantly across different demographic groups, with some studies showing that first-generation students from specific racial/ethnic backgrounds may have lower rates of alcohol use but higher rates of negative consequences from substance use.

The relationship between mental health issues and substance use is particularly relevant for first-generation college students. Research indicates that:

• First-generation students report higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to their peers.
  
• Approximately 30% of first-generation students report symptoms of depression or anxiety that interfere with their academic performance.
  
• Students with mental health issues are 2-3 times more likely to develop substance use disorders.

These mental health challenges are often exacerbated by the impostor syndrome that many first-generation students experience—the persistent feeling that they don’t belong in college or aren’t qualified to be there despite evidence to the contrary.

Recent trends in substance use treatment and recovery support for first-generation college students show promising developments:

• Collegiate Recovery Programs have increased fourfold since 2013, from 29 to over 138 programs nationwide.
  
• Online and telehealth services have expanded access to treatment for students who face time or transportation barriers.
  
• Culturally responsive treatment approaches that address the unique needs of first-generation students from diverse backgrounds are becoming more widely available.
  
• Peer support models that connect first-generation students in recovery with others who share similar experiences have shown effectiveness in supporting long-term recovery.

However, significant gaps remain in treatment accessibility and utilization.

National Nonprofit Organizations

SAMHSA’s National Helpline – A free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service in English and Spanish for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE) – Represents collegiate recovery programs and communities, the faculty and staff supporting them, and the students representing them.

Center for First-Generation Student Success – An initiative of NASPA and The Suder Foundation that offers programs and services, research and policy, and effective practices to improve experiences and outcomes of first-generation college students.

The Jed Foundation – Protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults by partnering with high schools and colleges to strengthen mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs.

Young People in Recovery (YPR) – Provides life skills and peer support to help people recover from substance use disorder and reach their full potential.

Faces & Voices of Recovery – Dedicated to organizing and mobilizing the over 23 million Americans in recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs.

Shatterproof – National nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the addiction crisis in the United States, with resources specifically for young adults.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) on Campus – Student-led clubs that tackle mental health issues on campus, including those related to substance use.

Active Minds – The nation’s premier nonprofit organization supporting mental health awareness and education for students, with chapters on campuses nationwide.

Partnership to End Addiction – Provides personalized support and resources to families impacted by addiction, including college students and their families.

The Phoenix – Offers a free sober active community for individuals who have suffered from substance use disorder and those who choose a sober life.

SMART Recovery – A science-based, self-empowering addiction recovery support group with meetings specifically for young adults and college students.

University and Campus Programs

Texas Tech University Center for Collegiate Recovery Communities – One of the oldest and most established collegiate recovery programs, offering comprehensive support services.

Rutgers Recovery Housing – Provides substance-free housing options specifically for students in recovery.

Augsburg University StepUP Program – Combines recovery support with academic services specifically designed for students in recovery.

Ohio State University Collegiate Recovery Community – Offers peer support, counseling, and academic resources for students in recovery.

University of Michigan Collegiate Recovery Program – Provides a supportive community and resources for students in recovery.

Penn State Collegiate Recovery Community – Offers support services and community-building activities.

University of California System Recovery Programs – Developing recovery centers on each campus to support students with substance use issues.

Washington State University Collegiate Recovery Support Initiative – Provides resources and support for students in recovery across Washington state institutions.

University of New Hampshire Alternative Peer Groups – Provides psychosocial education, sober social functions, community recovery support, and counseling services to students in recovery and their families.

Brown University Recovery Program – The pioneering collegiate recovery program was established in 1977, providing a model for other institutions.

Government and Public Agency Resources

SAMHSA’s FindTreatment.gov – A comprehensive treatment locator that helps individuals find substance use treatment and mental health services based on location, type of treatment needed, and payment options.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – College-Age & Young Adults – Resources for students, parents, educators, counselors, and researchers with information on substance use patterns and trends among college students.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) – College Drinking Prevention – Comprehensive research-based information on issues related to underage drinking and binge drinking among college students.

U.S. Department of Education – Federal TRIO Programs – Federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, including first-generation college students.

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) – An approach to the delivery of early intervention and treatment to people with substance use disorders and those at risk of developing these disorders.

National Center for Safe Supportive Learning Environments – Funded by the U.S. Department of Education to help schools and communities address bullying, harassment, violence, and substance misuse.

State Offices of Substance Abuse Services – Directory of state agencies responsible for substance abuse prevention and treatment services.

Indian Health Service (IHS) Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program – Federal health program for American Indians and Alaska Natives that includes alcohol and substance abuse programs.

Peer Support and Mentoring Programs

Mentorship for Addiction Problems (MAP) – A behavioral treatment formalizing client-to-client mentorship relationships as an adjunct to standard outpatient substance use disorder treatment.

Recovery Ally Training – Programs that train students to become allies and peer supporters for those in recovery on college campuses.

Peer Recovery Support Services – SAMHSA-supported peer recovery support services that can be implemented on college campuses.

First-Gen Scholars Peer-Mentorship Program (University of Utah) – While not specifically focused on substance use, this program provides peer mentorship for first-generation students with various challenges.

Recovery Dharma – A peer-led movement using Buddhist practices and principles to overcome addiction through meditation, personal inquiry, and community.

All Recovery Meetings – Inclusive, peer-led meetings that welcome people from all recovery pathways, including those in medication-assisted recovery.

Collegiate Recovery Student Association – A student-led organization that connects students in recovery across different campuses for peer support and advocacy.

Recovery Coaching – Professional and peer recovery coaches who provide personalized support for individuals in or seeking recovery.

Online Communities and Information Hubs

Reddit’s r/StopDrinking – One of the most active online recovery communities with nearly 2,000 posts per week, offering peer support for those trying to quit or cut down on alcohol use.

In The Rooms – A free online recovery community that offers 130+ weekly online meetings for those recovering from addiction and related issues.

Sober Grid – A mobile app and online community specifically designed to connect people in recovery, offering peer support and resources.

Recovery Research Institute – Provides authoritative information on addiction recovery, including an interactive dashboard of online recovery forums.

SAMHSA’s Knowledge Network – Comprehensive information hub with resources on substance use disorders, treatment options, and recovery support.

Center for First-Generation Student Success Resource Library – Resources for first-generation college students, including those addressing mental health and substance use.

Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery is an information hub that provides resources for college students, faculty, and staff.

Students for Recovery – Information and resources specifically for college students in recovery.

I Am Sober – A sobriety tracking app with community features and motivation tools.

Scholarships and Financial Support Resources

Lost Dreams Awaken Scholarship – A $1,000 scholarship to help college students recover from substance abuse or alcohol addiction.

Hope for Healing Scholarship – A $5,000 scholarship for students who have overcome addiction or have been affected by addiction in their family.

Addiction Awareness Scholarship – Open to high school and university students who can shed light on the issues of addiction, with a focus on raising awareness.

Sandstone Care Scholarship – A $5,000 scholarship for students dealing with or who have dealt with substance use and mental health struggles.

10,000 Beds – A non-profit organization that provides scholarships for addiction treatment, covering the full cost of rehab for needy patients.

Federal Pell Grants – Need-based grants for undergraduate students, prioritizing those with exceptional financial need, including many first-generation students.

TRIO Student Support Services – Provides academic tutoring, personal counseling, mentoring, financial guidance, and other supports for first-generation college students.

Emergency Financial Aid Grants – Many colleges offer emergency financial assistance for students facing unexpected hardships, including mental health and substance use treatment needs.

Multicultural and Minority-Focused Support Resources

National Latino Behavioral Health Association – Addresses substance use and mental health issues affecting Latino communities through culturally competent approaches and resources.

Association of Black Psychologists – Provides resources and support for Black students dealing with mental health and substance use issues through culturally responsive approaches.

Center for Native American Youth – Offers resources and support specifically for Native American youth, including college students dealing with substance use and mental health challenges.

National American Indian and Alaska Native Addiction Technology Transfer Center – Provides culturally appropriate substance use disorder treatment and recovery support for Indigenous communities.

Therapy for Black Girls – An online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls, including resources for substance use issues.

Asian Mental Health Collective – Provides mental health support and substance use resources specifically tailored to Asian American communities.

The Trevor Project – Crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ young people, including those dealing with substance use issues.

Pride Institute – Specializes in providing substance abuse treatment for the LGBTQ+ community with programs designed to address their unique needs.

Immigrants Rising – Provides resources and support for undocumented young people, including mental health and substance use resources.

National Hispanic and Latino Addiction Technology Transfer Center – Provides culturally and linguistically responsive substance use disorder treatment and recovery support.

National Center for Cultural Competence – Offers resources and training for culturally responsive approaches to mental health and substance use treatment.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Office of Behavioral Health Equity – Works to reduce disparities in mental and substance use disorders across populations.

Reach out for Support

First-generation college students struggling with substance use face unique challenges, but they don’t have to face these challenges alone. Remember that recovery is a journey, not a destination. Seeking help is a sign of strength. 

By utilizing the resources in this guide, first-generation college students can find the support they need to overcome substance use issues, succeed academically, and thrive in their personal and professional lives.

We encourage students, family members, and college professionals to share this guide widely and to advocate for increased support for first-generation college students struggling with substance use. 

We can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students pursuing higher education.