April Series: Teens Using Drugs: What To Know and What To Do

Adolescence development involves complex social, biological, and psychological factors. Characteristics of adolescent brains and behaviors create heightened risk for initiating and continuing use of alcohol and/or other drugs as well as heightened risk for short and long-term negative consequences. How can teens be helped to make healthy choices about substance use, and what can be done to help when teens use substances despite the risks and adverse consequences?

“Teens Using Drugs: What To Know and What To Do” is a free, ongoing, two-part education series that provides helpful, hopeful, practical information for young people and adults. Part One provides information on how teens are affected by substance use. Part Two includes separate sessions for adults to learn “what to do” when an adolescent substance use problem is suspected or identified, and for teens to explore their beliefs about and use of substances; adults and teens also hear a talk by a young person in recovery from a substance disorder. Parents, other family members, teens, students and people who work with teens are all welcome, and families are encouraged to attend together if they would like to.

Dates/time and location: The programs will be presented from 6:00 to 7:30 PM on Tuesday April 2 (part one, What To Know) and Tuesday April 9 (part two, What To Do.) The series will repeat on the first and second Tuesdays through June 2019 (and will resume this schedule in October 2019.) Programs are held at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center, 5305 Elliott Drive, Ypsilanti; in the Exhibition Room on the first floor.

The “Teens Using Drugs: What To Know and What To Do” series is sponsored by Dawn Farm, and co-sponsored by the Ann Arbor Public Schools, St. Joseph Mercy Greenbrook Recovery Center, and the WISD/LESA Health Educators’ Learning Network (supporting and advocating for Whole School, Whole Community, and the Whole Child Approach-WSCC.) The programs are presented by Dawn Farm Youth and Family Services therapists.

Cost/registration/other details: The series is free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Free literature about alcohol/other drugs and teens is also provided.

For further information please phone (734) 485-8725, e-mail info@dawnfarm.org or see http://dawnfarm.org/programs/teens-using-drugs.