In Their Own Words: A Phenomenological Examination of Posttreatment Education among Youth in Recovery from a Substance Use Disorder

This qualitative study explores the educational experiences of youth diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD) posttreatment. Youth in recovery face challenges to their sobriety when returning to school following treatment for an SUD. Researchers conducted two focus groups, one with youth (n = 8) and one with their parents (n = 6), to gain insight into youth educational experiences following treatment for an SUD. The findings highlighted educational challenges for youth in traditional high school settings posttreatment. Additionally, parents and youth described the importance of their recovery communities to success in maintaining sobriety and integrating back into school. Implications for practice with youth in recovery from an SUD are addressed.