Back to School, Not Back to Use: Back-to-School Tips for Families in Recovery

Expert Contribution from Katie Spencer, LISW-S, Behavioral Health Director at BrightView

For many parents, the back-to-school season is a blur of supply lists, lunchboxes, and early alarm clocks. For those in recovery, it’s also a time of reflection, stress, and growth.

Just ask Ariel Smith, an Outreach Coordinator at BrightView—and a mom of four, two of whom are starting high school and middle school this fall. Ariel has been in active recovery for over 10 years.

“I missed my daughter’s first day of school because I was still using,” Ariel shares. “I made it for her second day. I still have that picture—and I just looked awful. I hadn’t slept. But now? I’m there. We take the first-day-of-school pictures. I show up. I’m proud of them—and they’re proud of me.”

Recovery isn’t just about staying sober. It’s about showing up—even on the messy days.

Back-To-School Structure Can Support Recovery for Parents

Katie Spencer, LISW-S, Behavioral Health Director at BrightView, works with families navigating early recovery. She says the return of school routines can be both stabilizing and stressful.

“Structure is good for all of us,” Katie explains. “It builds routine, reduces decision fatigue, and gives people a sense of purpose. But it can also feel overwhelming when you’re trying to juggle recovery, work, and parenting.”

That’s where support systems matter. “In early recovery, I had never done school shopping before,” Ariel says. “It was rewarding—but expensive and stressful. That’s when I really leaned on my support system.”

Support can mean meetings, podcasts, a group chat with friends, medication, or simply a quiet moment to breathe. The key is not going at it alone.

Using the Back-to-School Season as a Time to Reset

At BrightView, August is often viewed as a “reset month.” The return to school provides a natural moment to pause and realign—before the emotional weight of fall and winter sets in.

“I don’t need to relapse to cause chaos in my life,” Ariel laughs. “So when I start spiraling—when things feel off—I switch it up. A new meeting. A different support person. I go back to basics.”

Katie agrees.

“This season can trigger shame or guilt about the past—especially for parents,” she says. “But it’s also a powerful time to rebuild structure, connection, and self-compassion.”

Top 5 Back-to-School Tips for Parents Navigating Addiction Recovery

1. Start with a morning anchor.

Ariel listens to a short recovery podcast each morning. Katie recommends finding your own version—a journal, a prayer, a checklist. “It sets the tone and keeps me grounded,” Ariel says.

2. Don’t isolate.

Recovery isn’t a solo act.

“When I start feeling overwhelmed, I remind myself I’m not alone—and I speak up before I snap,” Ariel shares.
Katie adds: “Have a list of coping tools or support contacts. Put it on your fridge or in your wallet so you’re ready when stress hits.”

3. Embrace structure, even if it’s imperfect.

“Even when they’re annoyed at me,” Ariel says, “my kids know what to expect now—and that matters.”
Katie agrees: “Routines help both parents and kids feel secure. But give yourself grace—it doesn’t have to be perfect.”

4. Prep the night before.

“Winging it only gets you so far,” Katie says. “Packing lunches, setting out clothes, organizing backpacks—it all helps reduce stress in the morning.”

5. Use transitions to connect.

Instead of rushing into homework or dinner, pause for a conversation.

“Don’t just ask ‘What did you do today?’” Katie says. “Ask what the best part was. What was hard. Let them open up.”