An Unmet Need in Every Community
by Barbara Bushong, Linda Beeman and Ann McCarroll
Parents all over the country have experienced first-hand the challenges of mixing traditional high schools with their child’s recovery. The combination is often the downfall of many well-intentioned teens coming out of treatment programs. When these kids are thrown back into their old high school environments, it is difficult to steer clear of friends involved in the drug and alcohol scene. Studies show that high schools today can be the easiest place to buy and do drugs. More than 60% of teens in a national study reported that drugs were sold, used, or kept at their school. This may be the reason that 85% of teens relapse within the first 30 days after treatment.
As most of us know, adolescent addiction is a growing national problem. Drug and alcohol use is increasing and grows more prevalent as students move through high school. Over 150,000 U.S. adolescents received treatment for addiction in the U.S. last year. Adolescents undergo treatment for alcohol dependence more than for any other substance use. Nationwide, teens with alcohol dependency are the majority of adolescents admitted for treatment. Each year, the federal government conducts a survey to determine Americans’ patterns of using alcohol and other drugs. This survey, the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), provides vital information on a wide array of topics. 1The survey showed that in 2005, the illicit substances that 12- to-17-year olds reported that they had used the most were, in this order:
-Marijuana
-Prescription drugs including stimulants, tranquilizers, sedatives, and pain relievers such as OxyContin and Vicodin
-Inhalants
The concept of a recovery school or sober high school is not a new one. These schools have been started all over the country; some have flourished and others have floundered due to inadequate funding. The Association of Recovery Schools advocates for the promotion, strengthening, and expansion of secondary and post-secondary programs designed for students and families committed to achieving success in both education and recovery. Although not a drug and alcohol treatment program, a recovery school provides a support system for high school-age students in recovery. Being in a separate school, away from their former peers who continue to use drugs and alcohol, removes many of the temptations these students would encounter in their regular schools. There are regular group meetings to discuss sobriety and each school develops a plan to monitor progress for the students with caretakers and family. Although each school’s approach to education and discipline may vary, one factor is always the same - substance abuse is not tolerated. Students are expected to report any relapses immediately and many use drug testing to enforce this policy.
Houston’s Archway Academy
“Other than school, it is a really kind of cool social environment to hang out and be safe and sober,” Archway student.
Archway Academy is the only school in Houston that addresses the unique needs of this special group to promote and reinforce the necessary steps of recovery. The mission of Archway is to provide a supportive and sober environment for these teens. The school opened in January of 2004 with 12 students. Today, the enrollment is capped at 60 students to maintain the very important 10-1 student to teacher ratio. Archway is very proud that twenty-five (25) seniors, the largest class ever, will receive their high school diplomas from the school in the spring of 2008. For every graduate this year, another student is on a waiting list and hoping to enter the program.
Archway Keeps Its Costs to Families Low
Archway Academy has two unique partnerships that have contributed to its success: Palmer Church provides the space and moral support, and Southwest School, a Texas state charter provider, supplies teachers and accredited curriculum. In addition, the Archway staff provides individual reinforcement to students and integrates communication between parents, teachers and counselors to surround the students in a sober and supportive environment.
“…the sober environment is really what makes it an awesome school in my opinion because I can go to school. I don’t have to worry about, you know, kids offering me drugs or anything like that,” said a former student Archway Academy student.
If you would like more information about the school or to learn how you can get involved, please contact 713-328-0780 or visit the school’s website at www.archwayacademy.org.
