A program, which gives youth an insight on substance misuse and abuse, addictions and life skills, is coming to 100 Mile House, Dec. 8-12.
Jamie Tazelaar, who is the 1st Step Mobile Treatment and Short Stay Housing Program co-ordinator for our Kamloops Axis Family Resource Ltd. Branch, says she is excited about bringing the program here. The group, which will run Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., is open to youth aged 13-24 who you think may benefit in gaining knowledge and education about substance misuse, addictions and life skills.
The program is funded by the Interior Health Authority, Tazelaar says, adding you must be referred to the program by a professional.
"Youth who are not using substances at this time, but feel they may lack life skills and be at risk of using a substance in the future are also welcome."
She notes the 1st Step Mobile Treatment program uses a harm-reduction approach by meeting group members where they are at in their readiness for change. The program is both community and youth driven.
The program includes alcohol and drug education, feelings, relapse prevention, anger management, critical thinking, family issues, nutrition, exercise and recreation, sexual health education, individual one-on-one, written assignments, 12 step meetings, as well as spirituality and self-care techniques.
Individual, as well as group, goals are set at the beginning of the program and evaluated throughout in order to ensure the individual’s needs are being met, Tazelaar says, adding a youth driven "After Care Plan" is developed prior to leaving the treatment program.
"The plan is very specific and includes the referral agent in the plan in order to support the youth on their path of change."
Each day the group meets, food will be provided: a light breakfast and lunch will be prepared and cooked with the help of the youth daily. Youth are not permitted to leave the premises until 3 p.m. and all breaks will be supervised, she explains.
"We would prefer the youth to arrange their own transportation; however, if they have difficulties, we can provide transportation."
At the end of the program, a graduation ceremony is planned and youth are able to invite family and other positive support people to attend, and share in the celebration with them.
For more information on the program, visit www.axis.bc.ca/services/addictions-services.ca and read the information on First Step Mobile Treatment. Folks can also click on the Contact Our Team Today for further information.