Long and Winding Road: Narratives of Recovery among High School Graduates

• In Event: 383 - Regular Session. Narrative, Biography, and Culture 1

Abstract

This study reports on the findings of an outcome survey of graduates of one of the longest-running recovery schools in the nation. The survey had both a quantitative component (Lanham & Tirado, 2011), and a qualitative section where respondents could write personal statements. This paper describes the narratives (n=56) from the survey, which was sent to the entire population of students who graduated from the school between 2000 and 2010. Common themes included accounts of recovery from addiction, sometimes occurring after post-graduation relapses and repeated treatment. Respondents also praised the recovery school environment, and credited its programs for providing them with the skills necessary to succeed in college and deal with life crises. Continued illicit drug use was also reported.

Author

• Carol Cirulli Lanham, University of Texas-Dallas