Service Description

With the growing rise in substance use and overdose, this course is meant to help reduce the risk of addiction and associated mental health disorders in our communities. Part of this objective is to offer education and awareness with the motivation to change strategy in high-risk circumstances by educating extensively about the dangers of substance use and the disorders that can follow. We will also explore creativity, learn healthy life skills, coping strategies, and create connections that last. The idea of this course is to offer teens a Certified Professional in this field to work with in a classroom type setting. Whether your teen is actively using or exposed to the temptation, a Recovery Coach/Peer Advocate offers a level of acceptance, understanding, and validation that aren't usually found in other professional relationships. As an experienced, qualified, professional in the area of addictions, I will work with them to feel less isolated and more connected with outreach and engagement activities. In the brain of a teenager, the connections between the emotional (feelings) and rational (decision making part) are still developing. Everyone develops at a different rate and this process usually isn't fully complete until the age of about 25!! Part of this program is testing & exploring their creativity, opening up communication skills, and learning to express themselves in healthy ways. It is important for their development. Not just physically and emotionally, but also socially and intellectually. This course is 12 weeks long (about one school semester.) Class will be about 1.5 hours each week and will be held on ZOOM for ages 12-17, class size will be relatively small and will be very hands-on as homework will be to actively use the skills that we learn in each class and write or explain about the experiences of using them. There will be NO WRITTEN TESTS (other than the initial assessment that shows what they already know.) The Final exam will be an art project of choice. All the life skills that they'll learn in this class will be applied in real life. That is their test. The 12-week outline looks like this: 1. Pre-test, Introductions, Goals 2. Drugs & Behavior 3. Understanding Addiction 4. Values, Priorities, Boundaries 5. Support Systems 6. Risk Factors 7. Reflection, Connection (self) 8. Physical, Emotional, Social Connection 9. Co-Dependency 10. Trauma 11. Self Esteem/ Gratitude 12. Final Exam/ Art Projects