Hey there, friends! Did you know that in the U.S., nearly 21 million people are grappling with some form of addiction? Even more alarming is that over 90% of these individuals experimented with alcohol or drugs before turning 18. The old adage of “just say no” seems more like a punchline than effective advice, and it’s hard to say the multi-trillion dollar war on drugs has been a success. Many of these large-scale efforts are just not cutting it when it comes to tackling the deep-rooted substance abuse issues in our society. It seems like we should be doing everything possible to address these challenges as early as we can. One solution that deserves more attention is recovery high schools, which are tailored specifically for students recovering from addiction and other related disorders like anxiety or depression. Sadly, not many folks even know these schools exist.
Typically, our public schools haven’t taken on the responsibility of supporting students with substance abuse issues. Honestly, how could they? Teachers are already stretched thin with classroom management, endless paperwork, and the need to actually educate. It’s no surprise that they don’t have the time or training to handle this specialized group of kids. As Jamie Collins, a co-founder of the National Association of Recovery Schools, puts it, “There’s been a significant gap in adolescent treatment for ages.” Recovery high schools are designed to fill that gap.
Just like any public school, recovery high schools meet state standards, but they also offer additional support from substance abuse counselors and mental health professionals. Many programs encourage students to engage in outside treatment while pursuing their education. These schools often involve families in the recovery process, helping them learn how to support their teens and themselves as they adapt to a lifestyle of recovery.
But recovery high schools offer more than just education; they help students rebuild their self-esteem and discover their potential. Mark Johnson, a parent at Riverbend Recovery Academy, noted that it isn’t solely about recovery. “It’s about nurturing the whole person,” he shared. Unfortunately, Riverbend is currently the only recovery high school in its state.
These schools create a sense of community that is crucial for students’ recovery. By connecting with others who understand their struggles, students can escape the isolation that often accompanies addiction. “It’s like a second family here,” explained Emily, a student. “Everyone feels accepted and loved, which is something I didn’t find in my previous school.”
Counselor Lisa Green from Seattle’s Hope Academy echoed this sentiment: “Without the support of peers in recovery, these kids are at a serious disadvantage. This becomes their new family.”
Throwing a student back into a traditional school environment filled with non-sober peers can be detrimental. Friends have a significant influence during high school years, often more than parents, and that’s a reality we can’t ignore. A recent study revealed that nearly 37% of high school seniors reported using illicit drugs in the past year, and over 56% admitted to drinking alcohol. Clearly, the peer pressure isn’t steering our kids in the right direction.
Yet, recovery high schools have shown promising results. Within six months of completing their programs, students have a relapse rate of only 30%, which is significantly lower than traditional intervention programs. Just ask Sarah, a former student of Philadelphia’s Bridge Academy. “Honestly, I don’t think I’d be here today if I had gone back to my old school,” she candidly admitted.
Despite their effectiveness, recovery high schools are few and far between—only 34 exist across the U.S. They serve around 2,000 students in a country where over two million kids aged 12 to 17 are reported to have used drugs in the past month. That’s a staggering number of young people left to fend for themselves by the education system.
Unfortunately, funding is a major obstacle. Many districts hesitate to allocate funds for recovery high schools due to concerns about losing per-pupil funding. “They’re more worried about money than the children,” said New Jersey State Sen. Tom Harris, who helped establish the state’s only recovery high school. This attitude doesn’t help anyone, especially the kids who are trying to overcome significant challenges.
There’s also a societal stigma surrounding young people in recovery. As a teacher from Minnesota put it, “People often see young addicts as throwaway kids, but we’re witnessing their potential every day.” It’s high time we change our perspective and recognize that our struggling students are not “throwaway” kids, and recovery high schools should not be the exception but the rule.
In summary, recovery high schools provide a vital service for students facing addiction and other challenges. They create an environment where young people can thrive in recovery, supported by peers and professionals who understand their struggles. Let’s advocate for these schools to become the norm, ensuring that every student gets the chance to reclaim their future.
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