DO YOU KNOW A TEEN WHO NEEDS HELP?

DO YOU KNOW A TEEN WHO NEEDS HELP?

Do you fear that drugs or alcohol might be a problem for a teenager you know? Do you feel like he/she is in danger of failing grades, poor peer influences or even physical harm? If so, there’s help right here in the Alameda community!

Alameda Family Services’ Youth Outpatient Drug-Free (ODF) Program is a 10 week program that addresses the needs of teens and families struggling with alcohol or substance abuse. In the ODF Program, kids learn about specific dangers of use, practice how to combat negative peer pressure, and examine consequences of their behavior. The ODF Program also helps families talk with their teens about use, set appropriate limits for their teens, and identify risk factors for further use and potential addiction. The ODF Program helps teens get clean.

You may be saying, “I’m not sure if there’s a problem.” If so, here are some signs of use.

· Red eyes or dilated pupils

· Slurred speech or poor coordination

· Excessively hyper or manic behavior

· Smell of alcohol or marijuana

· Clothes or jewelry with drug related images

· Poor physical hygiene

· Lower grades and school performance

· Inappropriate classroom behavior, such as aggression and impulsivity

Our experience is that early intervention is vital where teens and alcohol and substance abuse are concerned. If you have questions, need more information, or want to sign up, contact Laura Gilbert, MFT, the Program Coordinator of the Youth ODF Program at 510-629-6316 or lgilbert@alamedafs.org.