Recovering From Addiction: The Kids' Perspective

Airs: February 26, 2009
Sponsor(s): MCTFT

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Discovering that a teen is using drugs or alcohol can be a scary experience for parents - many feel alone, ashamed, guilty, and confused about what to do next. In today's society, teens as young as 13 have often already tried drugs as powerful as cocaine or even heroin. They might tell themselves they will only try a drug once, but many teens find themselves under continual peer pressure to continue to experiment with drugs and "join the party." The biggest consequence to casual drug use can be that it develops into a true addiction � and it can happen before they realize it. Very few addicts recognize when they have crossed the line from casual use to addiction.

Recovering From Addiction: The Kids' Perspective is an hour-long broadcast of teen panelists that will discuss their addiction and recovery process. The sooner you can recognize that your child or your friend is abusing alcohol or other drugs, the sooner you can seek help. If you notice changes in behavior, changes in friends, lying about after school or weekend activities, changes in mood, or depression your teen or someone you know might have a problem with substance abuse. Also, hear from an expert in adolescent addiction and intervention.

These topics among others will be discussed and will help others who are perhaps afraid or ashamed to seek help. The problem with addiction is that there are no rules as to who becomes a victim of this disease.
 

Learning Objectives:

• Hear from recovering teens about how they became addicts

• Understand how experimentation progresses to addiction

• Learn the warning signs of addiction

• See how easy accessibility can lead to a drug habit

• Find out who can become a victim of addiction

• Understand how relapse is often part of recovery and learn the warning signs

• Hear from an expert in adolescent intervention and rehabilitation

• See how websites and resources can help you

Content Providers:

Maryellen Evers, Administrator of Juvenile Services, Operation PAR, Pinellas Park, FL
Evers has nearly 20 years of experience dealing with adolescents and addiction and has been at Operation PAR for four years. As the Administrator of PAR�s Juvenile Services, Evers works exclusively with adolescents in recovery. Evers also has 15 years of social work experience working with individuals and families within agency and private practice settings. Evers holds certifications in evidenced based therapies specific to adolescents and addictions.

Teen Panelists:

• Scott is 17-years-old and will discuss his addiction with alcohol, marijuana and opiates starting at the age of 14. He has now been clean in a recovery program for 8 months.

• Garrett is 16-years-old and has been in recovery for just a short time for his addiction to alcohol, marijuana and opiates which started at the age of 13.

• Nick is 17-years-old and began his addiction with alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and opiates at the age 15. Nick has been in recovery for 5 months.

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