Introduction
In the realm of education and youth development, recovery schools have emerged as a promising avenue for supporting students in recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs). These institutions, which include Recovery High Schools (RHSs) and Collegiate Recovery Communities (CRCs), aim to provide a supportive environment that fosters both academic success and sobriety. However, the effectiveness of these schools remains a topic of ongoing research and debate.
Understanding Recovery Schools
Recovery schools are educational institutions designed specifically for students in recovery from SUDs. They integrate standard academic curricula with therapeutic and recovery-oriented services. RHSs cater to high school students, offering diplomas alongside recovery support, while CRCs provide similar services within college campuses.
The Research Findings
The systematic review titled "Recovery schools for improving behavioral and academic outcomes among students in recovery from substance use disorders: a systematic review" (Hennessy et al., 2018) provides a comprehensive look at the impact of recovery schools. The review primarily focuses on the effects of RHSs, as no eligible studies on CRCs were identified.
Key findings from the review indicate that RHSs may reduce school absenteeism and substance use, particularly marijuana and other drugs, among students. However, the evidence is based on a single quasi-experimental study with a significant risk of bias due to confounding factors. This study involved 194 participants and suggested improvements in abstinence from drugs but showed no significant impact on academic grades or alcohol use reduction.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners working with students in recovery, the findings highlight the potential benefits of RHSs in reducing absenteeism and promoting abstinence. However, due to the limited and biased evidence, practitioners are encouraged to approach the implementation of recovery schools with caution.
- Focus on Holistic Support: Implement comprehensive support systems that address both academic and recovery needs.
- Monitor and Evaluate: Regularly assess the effectiveness of recovery programs and adapt strategies based on student outcomes.
- Encourage Further Research: Advocate for more rigorous studies to better understand the impact of recovery schools and refine best practices.
Encouraging Further Research
The review underscores the necessity for additional rigorous evaluations of recovery schools. With only one study meeting the inclusion criteria, there is a clear need for more research to validate the benefits of RHSs and explore the potential of CRCs. Practitioners and researchers should collaborate to design studies that address the existing gaps and biases in the current literature.
Conclusion
Recovery schools hold promise as a supportive environment for students in recovery from SUDs. While initial findings suggest benefits in reducing absenteeism and drug use, the evidence is insufficient to draw strong conclusions. Practitioners should remain informed about ongoing research and contribute to the development of evidence-based practices.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Recovery schools for improving behavioral and academic outcomes among students in recovery from substance use disorders: a systematic review.
