Florida's only recovery-focused high school opens new location in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Springfield high school students struggling with substance abuse now have a place to go to get clean while continuing their education.

Tuesday a student at River Oak Center told Action News Jax she hadn’t touched drugs since November.

She said, “I tried cocaine for the first time at 12 years old and from there it went down hill.”

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The program allows students to complete their coursework while receiving treatment.

“Having those goals and ambitions in your life has a lot to do with keeping yourself clean,” the student said.

The center has a new location in Springfield.

Executive Director Dan Renaud said it’s the only recovery high school in the state of Florida, even though 30% of students report being offered drugs and alcohol at school.

“One in four students admit to using marijuana daily, or on a regular basis,” he said.

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Renaud added, “There’s currently 45 of these in the country. We’re currently working with groups in Orlando, Volusia, Pasco County and West Palm to open schools in those areas, as well.”

The teen said she’s glad she’s sober instead of the alternative.

“Probably strung out on drugs somewhere. I’m not supposed to be at 16 and hanging out with people I’m not supposed to and slowly killing myself," she said.

Now she and her peers have a second chance at their goals.

Cox Media Group