When we think of college, we often imagine excitement, new experiences, and fun times. But there’s a darker aspect that often goes unnoticed – the issue of college alcoholism.
Picture this: around 60% of college students aged 18 to 22 admit to drinking alcohol recently, and shockingly, one in five meets the criteria for an alcohol use disorder (AUD). But in the midst of these troubling numbers, there’s someone who brings hope and inspiration—Rachel Hechtman. She’s a leading figure in the Alcohol-Free Community and the brains behind Sober in Central Park, LLC (SICP).
Rachel’s story is one of grit, personal growth, and some serious transformation. Her first brush with alcohol came at just 14 as a way to handle tough times like childhood traumas and mental health battles. It was a quick fix for her anxiety.
Unfortunately, college life at Dartmouth College, where she studied, made things even harder. The whole college scene seemed centered around alcohol, like an unofficial cornerstone of social life.
It was so common that even the unofficial college mascot was a keg with a face named “Keggy.” Many of Rachel’s friends had problems with alcohol too. This made her think that heavy drinking was normal; she wondered, “If everyone else is doing it, is it really a problem?“
This continued after college. Rachel got stuck in a loop of excessive drinking and binge eating to cope with personal problems.
She says, “I found myself stuck in a downward spiral: drinking right after work, getting a terrible night’s sleep, waking up feeling bad, eating whatever I could get my hands on, having no motivation to exercise, and repeating it all the next day. It was a cyclical catastrophe taking over my life.”
But then, something amazing happened. On January 3, 2021, Rachel decided to make a change and committed to not drinking for a whole month. That was just the start of her amazing path, inside and out. In the next couple of years, she lost an impressive 100 pounds, found strong confidence, and dug deep to build a strong spiritual bond with her purpose.
Rachel’s victory over alcoholism, paired with her unwavering commitment to improvement, has really pushed her to be a major driving force for positive change.
Through Sober in Central Park, she’s used social media to create a supportive community for people who want to live without alcohol. She’s out there, sharing her journey in a way that seriously pumps up inspiration, getting loads of people amped to kick addiction to the curb and unlock their real potential.
What sets Rachel apart is how genuine and compassionate she is about her goal. She’s discussing the connection between college fun and topics like ADHD and mental health—concepts that often don’t get enough attention. She’s super confident in her belief that staying sober really affects our overall well-being. And her impact goes beyond just her own life experiences.
Rachel’s totally flipping how we look at college life. She’s taking a stand against the idea that heavy drinking is just the norm and showing that going the alcohol-free route is a smart call. Her events get people together without relying on booze, letting them connect, have a blast, and grow as individuals. And she’s all in for non-alcoholic choices too.
Rachel’s impact doesn’t stop there. She’s a respected voice in the media, too. She’s been on podcasts like Calm, Cool, and Connected, The Joanne Oswell Jones Podcast, and Off The Rails Recovery, sharing her insights and helping others.
Today, when college alcohol issues are a big deal, Rachel brings us hope. Her journey, from struggling to leading, shows how much recovery can really change a person. Through Sober in Central Park, she’s giving a helping hand to anyone who wants a healthier college experience.
What Rachel is up to goes beyond just herself; it’s a prime example of how communities can actually make a real impact, how people can overcome hard times, and how we can reshape the college experience. As she keeps on motivating and encouraging others, Rachel is leaving a strong impression of determination and change. She’s creating a world where college students can thrive without the burden of alcohol struggles.
To connect with SICP, visit the website. Browse Rachel’s Instagram for exclusive tips on non-alcoholic fun and upcoming events.
