Teens who are dealing with a substance abuse disorder are not only working through how to recover but must also determine how to balance their schoolwork in the process. If teens forget about their academics during this critical time, they risk falling behind, creating more problems when their treatment ends. We’re going to explore the many challenges teens face as they try to balance their academics during substance abuse treatment, as well as the challenges they face once they return to school. We’ll also look at how parents and substance abuse programs for youth near me can help teens manage everything on their plate.
Challenges of Balancing Academics During Substance Abuse Program For Youth Near Me
Balancing academics during substance abuse treatment can be difficult for teens as they try to stay focused on their recovery. For many teens, the pressures of school may have contributed to their substance use. This is why it can be challenging for teens to balance academics during substance abuse treatment.
If schoolwork makes your teen anxious, they may need to incorporate coping mechanisms into their treatment program. This can include things like exercise, meditation, art therapy, or other activities that help to calm them rather than turning to drugs or alcohol.
They may also become depressed during their treatment if they feel as though they can’t balance it all. Research shows that symptoms of depression and sadness are found in 75% of teens and adolescents using substances. [1] This is why it’s crucial to treat both depression and substance use at the same time to give teens the best shot at success in recovery.
During outpatient programs, teens may be attending school, which can result in peer pressure. Teens need other outlets so they are not tempted to follow those who may be making poor choices. This can help to keep your teen focused and out of trouble.
How to Balance Academics While in a Substance Abuse Program For Youth Near Me
If your teen is in a substance abuse program, there are several ways they can balance their academics, depending on the type of program they are in. Looking for a treatment program that incorporates education into the program is often the best solution. But this is not always an option, depending on where you live if you’re specifically searching for a “substance abuse program for youth near me” on Google.
Much of the treatment is done in the evenings and on weekends during outpatient addiction programs. This makes it easier for teens to go to school during the day. If your child is still attending regular school, they will also have access to counselors to help ensure they stay on track with their academics while seeking treatment. They can offer tools to help your teen find the right balance and cope with peer pressure while getting their education.
If your teen participates in in-house and residential treatment, schooling will be provided as part of the program. In-house schooling could be something to look into when searching for “substance abuse programs for youth near me.” This will be incorporated into their daily routine. At Ember Recovery, we take our clients’ education very seriously, so they take time to complete school assignments during our inpatient programs. Throughout the process, teachers evaluate each teen’s progress and provide academic support when needed. Teens are expected to do their classwork and homework just as they would during a regular school routine. This helps students to stay on track while still focusing on their recovery.
Any academic credits earned through our treatment centers will transfer to the teen’s high school once they complete their inpatient program. We also work with schools to ensure a smooth transition.
Achieving Academic Success After Rehab
Helping teens achieve academic success after rehab is as important as when in treatment. Here are some ways you can support your teen if they are returning to school after an inpatient adolescent rehab:
Plan Ahead
Before your teen returns to school, contact school administrators and support staff to ensure they are aware of the situation. This will ensure everyone is on the same page and working towards helping your teen succeed.
Time & Stress Management
Set a schedule with your teen detailing how and when they will complete their homework and other schoolwork. This can help to alleviate any stress that they may begin to feel as they return to school. You can also suggest stress management techniques such as exercise, journaling, art, or other activities they enjoy.
Set Realistic Goals
Help your teen to set realistic academic goals. What grades do they want to achieve during the first month, second month, etc.? This can help to keep them on track and feel accomplished as they meet each goal and work towards the next one.
Find Appropriate Extracurricular Activities
Be sure your teen is finding activities that help to support their classwork and academic success. These can also be activities that steer them away from negative influences and people who may contribute to a relapse situation.
Seeking Looking For ‘Substance Abuse Programs For Youth Near Me’ At Ember Recovery
Ember Recovery is committed to helping teens overcome their substance abuse disorders while staying focused on their academics. That’s why it’s so important to do your research when looking for “substance abuse programs for youth near me.” Our inpatient programs for both teen boys and girls include the tools teens need to succeed during and after their treatment. Contact us today to learn more!
Sources:
[1] https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt39443/2021NSDUHFFRRev010323.pdf
Andrea Dickerson is a Licensed Therapist and Certified Substance Use Counselor who has worked in behavioral health since 1997. Currently, Andrea is the Director of Behavioral Health, overseeing the Ember residential treatment programs and YSS outpatient counseling clinics throughout Central and North Central Iowa. She became a Motivational Interviewing (MI) trainer in 2006 and provides MI trainings throughout Iowa.
Andrea specializes in working with adolescents and their families and enjoys seeing the family relationships grow through therapy. Andrea is also a CARF International Surveyor, going around North America ensuring behavioral health organizations are meeting required standards.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs, as well as being an active member of Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA), a global organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. She has been a member of the SI of Des Moines club since 2012 and has been actively involved at the regional level, currently serving as Co-Governor of the Peaks to Plains Region.
Through her involvement in SIA, Andrea has been actively involved in the Dream Programs, coordinating annual Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls projects, which give girls the tools they need to achieve their education and career goals, empowering them to break cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse.