Spring Break
Substance abuse program for youth to start October 7th
Issue date: 9/22/08 Section: Inside WCC
Nearly a third of all young Americans have drunk heavily before they turn 13, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The CDC also states 11.3 percent of those youth have smoked marijuana and 9.5 percent have used some form of cocaine.
As stunning as these results may seem, they are real. It's because of statistics like these that parents, friends, and family members of teenagers are seeking help and more information from programs like Teens Using Drugs: What to Know and What to Do.
Teens Using Drugs is a free, two-part workshop that helps participants identify and address teenage substance abusers. The information is presented by Ron Harrison, a social worker with 35 years of experience in helping teenagers and their families. After his lecture, a recovered teenager talks for a short while, leaving time at the end of the night for questions. Questions can be asked in private with Ron if necessary.
The program, which helps as many as 250 people during its nine-month period, begins on Oct. 7 and ends in June at the Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center in Ypsilanti. The program is divided into two parts; Part one is on the first Tuesday of each month and Part 2 is on the second Tuesday of each month.
"Parents are welcome to bring their kids but it's not typical. Kids tend to be very resistant too," said program volunteer Jess Antanaitis.
However, Antanaitis also stated there are advantages for teenagers participating in the workshop.
" It can open up communication between the family. Over time, kids understand their parents' concerns," said Antanaitis.
The program is open to the public. No matter the reason people want information about this subject, they are encouraged by volunteers to attend.
"We are always happy to see students come to learn. It's a great educational opportunity for students majoring in human services, nursing, or even teaching," said Antanaitis.
For more information, contact Antanaitis at (734) 973-7892 or visit: www.teensusingdrugs.org.
As stunning as these results may seem, they are real. It's because of statistics like these that parents, friends, and family members of teenagers are seeking help and more information from programs like Teens Using Drugs: What to Know and What to Do.
Teens Using Drugs is a free, two-part workshop that helps participants identify and address teenage substance abusers. The information is presented by Ron Harrison, a social worker with 35 years of experience in helping teenagers and their families. After his lecture, a recovered teenager talks for a short while, leaving time at the end of the night for questions. Questions can be asked in private with Ron if necessary.
The program, which helps as many as 250 people during its nine-month period, begins on Oct. 7 and ends in June at the Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center in Ypsilanti. The program is divided into two parts; Part one is on the first Tuesday of each month and Part 2 is on the second Tuesday of each month.
"Parents are welcome to bring their kids but it's not typical. Kids tend to be very resistant too," said program volunteer Jess Antanaitis.
However, Antanaitis also stated there are advantages for teenagers participating in the workshop.
" It can open up communication between the family. Over time, kids understand their parents' concerns," said Antanaitis.
The program is open to the public. No matter the reason people want information about this subject, they are encouraged by volunteers to attend.
"We are always happy to see students come to learn. It's a great educational opportunity for students majoring in human services, nursing, or even teaching," said Antanaitis.
For more information, contact Antanaitis at (734) 973-7892 or visit: www.teensusingdrugs.org.
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