Spring Break can be a time to to disconnect from the stress of everyday life and maybe even get away to enjoy warmer weather and sunshine. But for those in recovery from substance use disorder, Spring Break isn’t always the best recipe for sobriety.
The Hope Academy Recovery Team is comprised of young people in recovery. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again–they’re Hope’s Secret Sauce! Our recovery coaches and peer recovery specialists have all experienced navigating their teenage years in recovery and understand that seemingly harmless events like Spring Break can be troublesome when trying to stay away from drugs and alcohol.
- Unplug from social media. Looking at other people’s experiences during spring break won’t do you any favors. Instagram, Snapchat, and Tik Tok are only a snapshot and filtered version of what people want you to see. As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.”
- Look for opportunities to help others by volunteering. There are plenty of nonprofits that would welcome some extra hands serving food, building homes, clearing brush or other helpful projects. Studies show that volunteering reduces feelings of depression and helps you better manage stress.
- Get outside! There are many public nature areas to hike, bike and enjoy nature. And as a bonus, many of them have low to no entrance fees. State Parks like: Turkey Run, Fort Harrison, Clifty Falls, Prophetstown, and 21 others have lots of fresh air and activities that you might not have experienced before!
- Call your sponsor and go to meetings! You are intelligent and resourceful and fully capable of taking these steps.
- Go to a museum. Social distancing is easy in large exhibit spaces and attendance rates are low during the pandemic.
- Grab a cup of coffee or tea from Monon Coffee Company in Broad Ripple. Take a stroll on the Monon or walk along the canal. It’s a great way to spend time alone or with friends.
- Remember all those things you mentioned you like to do but don’t have the time for? Maybe it’s playing a sport, gardening, cooking, crafting, reading for fun, or going to the park. Now you have the time to do it.
- Workout! You are one workout away from a good mood.
- Host your own film festival with your family. Every person chooses a different theme and movie each night!
- Come to GPS! We have 3 days of super fun offsite activities planned… more info about GPS below:
Within a safe and sober environment, GPS addresses the social, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of teens recovering from substance use, abuse, and dependence through peer mentoring, life and social skills development, family involvement, and sober, fun activities
GPS Provides:
- After-school hangouts
- Homework help and tutoring
- Peer mentoring
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Sober, fun social activities
To learn more about GPS, contact Caroline Hartman.
