Today's guest on Parent Choices for Struggling Teens, Devon Green, Director of Education for Newport Academy in southern California, shared with Lon and his co-host Liz McGhee, the difference between a traditional high school and a "sober high school". "Designed more as a step down program from a more intense residential treatment center, a sober high school or also referred to as a recovery high school, is set up like a typical school day, with students attending school from 9:00 am to 3:13 pm and off on the week-ends. Yet at a sober high school, the students are committed to being sober and are willing to be drug tested as needed, to ensure the school stays safe and drug free. Students also have the support of weekly group therapies such as equine, music and art therapies, therapeutic and substance abuse counseling, life skills training and support from both faculty and parents.
The majority of students who attend a sober high school have been through a residential program, are high achieving, and may live in a sober living program and yet need help in their academics. "We work with a variety of students and give individual attention as needed. We also work with students with self-harm issues, eating disorders and other self-destruction behaviors. For these students, there is no shame in going to a 'sober high school'. In fact, they feel empowered in choosing a recovery high school and are proud of being sober."
Family issues can often cause stress and anxiety in a student's academics, in turn the student gets behind in school, quits going to school and gets involved in drugs and alcohol. Family involvement and support plays an important role in a student maintaining sobriety, therefore communication between the school and parents is crucial, in addition to participation in parent support groups and family therapy.
Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports, Inc. and www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens.
Elizabeth McGhee is the Director of Admissions and Referral Relations at Sandhill Child Development Center and has over 19 years' of clinical, consulting and referral relations experience to her position and is the co-host.
Devon Green is the Director of Education at Newport Academy in California and is helping develop their new program in Connecticut. She is fully credentialed to teach preschool to grade 12 and is in recovery herself from an eating disorder.
We are excited to announce that we have several openings for on-air advertising spots during our show on LA TALK Radio: Parent Choices for Struggling Teens.
If you are interested in reserving some air time to promote your school, program or services, contact Kristie Campbell at kristie@woodbury.com or 208-267-5550
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