Mommy's Time Out: Recovery High

Recovery High School has finally reached Southeastern Massachusetts in the form of Independence Academy in Brockton. The fourth Recovery High School in Massachusetts, Brockton joins Boston, Beverly, and Springfield in offering recovering high school students an education that supports their recovery process. North River Collaborative and Brockton Public Schools, along with numerous other state agencies, have partnered to create this alternative high school to target adolescents with addiction and dependence issues. 

Independence Academy's grand opening on January 19 allowed surrounding school districts, mental health agencies, state representatives, and non-profit organizations to tour the facility and learn about the program. I was fortunate enough to attend the grand opening and was able to tour the school, which is housed at 460 Belmont Street in Brockton. The school will serve up to 50 students who either come out of a rehab facility or have at least 30 days of sobriety under their belt and are committed to maintaining sobriety. Referrals can come from parents, schools, therapists, and doctors and if accepted, school districts would pay roughly $12,500 per student.

Why would a student who is already committed to their recovery and completed a treatment program need an alternative high school? That answer is clear. An adolescent coming out of treatment and entering into the same environment, easily falls into the same patterns of behavior and on average relapses within 14 days of completing treatment.

Addiction is an epidemic that drives crime, causes death and poisons the future of our youth. As a mental health professional working with adolescents, I see the repercussions of addiction each and every day.  Independence Academy will save lives.

For more information on Independence Academy and the referral process, please visit www.northrivercollaborative.org or send me a message.