There’s a direct correlation between substance use and academic performance. Therefore, substance misuse treatment can lead to improved grades for a teenager. A treatment program that offers teen academic assistance is the most effective way to help a teen get caught up on school work. Foothills at Red Oak Recovery is a teen substance use treatment center. We offer an academic support program to help teenage boys catch up in school and build healthy study habits for the future. To learn more about how programs for teenage boys can provide support with both substance use and academics, call 866.300.5275 and speak with the admissions team at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery. We look forward to discussing the connection between substance abuse treatment and academic performance.
How Substance Use Impacts Academics
Substance use has a profound impact on brain function—particularly for teenagers, whose brains are still developing. Different substances may impact the brain and central nervous system differently, but they all alter normal brain functions.
Especially when substance use is a regular occurrence for a teen, the impact of drugs on the nervous system makes it harder for the brain to perform functions like:
- Memory
- Recall
- Comprehension
- Problem-solving skills
- Critical thinking skills
It’s not hard to see how an impact on these areas can make understanding and retaining academic material difficult.
However, cognitive skills alone aren’t all that take a hit when a teen abuses substances. Drug use derails the brain’s natural reward system.
When a teen works hard to succeed in classes, they receive positive feedback through good grades, the approval of parents and teachers, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from seeing hard work pay off.
Once substance use becomes an issue, the brain’s reward systems focus only on the positive feedback from using more of a substance.
As a result, a teen’s attendance, focus, and participation all begin to falter, and it can be hard to get back on track without professional support.
The Connection Between Substance Abuse Treatment and Academic Performance Improvements
Substance use treatment brings countless benefits to teens. First, they gain insight into how addiction works and the contributing factors to why they use substances. They also gain the skills that can help them maintain recovery.
The longer a teen refrains from using substances, the more the brain can establish a natural equilibrium. When a teen is able to escape from the cycle of substance use, improved ability and interest in academic performance are often natural consequences.
Improving Academics in Rehab
For many teens, poor academic performance is directly related to substance use, but this isn’t always the case.
Many school subjects, especially the sciences, are built upon prior knowledge and move at a fast pace. Missing a few classes or failing to understand one concept can quickly lead a teen to fall behind in their studies. This leads to poor grades, lower self-esteem, and reduced interest in participating.
A treatment center that offers academic support helps ensure that a teen isn’t falling behind in current coursework but also provides the necessary help for getting caught up in classes. Academic support staff members identify where a teen needs extra help and fill in any missing knowledge.
Improving academics in rehab positions a teen to do well in current coursework because past challenges have been identified and addressed.
Get Academic Support During Treatment at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery
Substance abuse treatment and academic performance should go hand-in-hand for teenage clients. School performance is a major concern for teenagers, and poor academic performance impacts more than grades alone.
For more information about treatment options for teenage boys that address substance use while offering academic support, contact us at 866.300.5275 today and ask about the programs at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery.
