Indiana’s only recovery high school partners with schools to address substance use risks in adolescents.
Hope Academy, Indiana’s only recovery high school, is launching its Substance Use Education and Prevention Program for Middle School Students to provide critical early intervention and education. The program begins on Saturday, January 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Hope Academy, 3919 Madison Avenue, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN.
The program equips 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students and families with tools to prevent and delay drug and alcohol use. It is open to students who may have reported substance use, been caught vaping, or been identified by parents or school staff as at risk for substance use disorder. Students who have failed drug screens are also encouraged to participate.
Catching substance use issues early is key to stopping them from turning into full-blown addiction. Programs like this one are here to help young people who might be at risk of developing substance use disorders (SUDs). Research shows that the sooner these challenges are addressed, the better the chances of recovery. Early intervention can also help prevent serious consequences like dropping out of school, getting into legal trouble, or experiencing poor physical health.
“At a time when services for young people are so limited, this program represents a critical step in bridging the gap for middle school students who are experimenting with substance use through vaping or using other drugs and alcohol,” said Rachelle Gardner, Executive Director of Hope Academy. “Our goal is to provide a supportive environment where students and families can learn, connect, and grow together.”
The curriculum covers topics such as the effects of nicotine, drugs, and marijuana on the teen brain, the impact of stress, screen time, and strategies for healthy decision-making. Sessions occur on Saturdays, with morning education for students and family involvement in the afternoon. A $20 fee covers materials and lunch, subsidized by a grant from the Marion County Public Health Department’s Health First Indiana Initiative.
School administrators, counselors, and parents interested in learning more about this program, may contact Hope Academy’s Director of Outreach, Adam Teal, at ateal@hopeacademyrhs.org or call the school at 317-512-6862.
Download the program brochure here.
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Media Contact:
Ty Spisak, Hope Academy Communications Consultant
317.517.8867 | ty@tyspisak.com