Substance abuse recovery, prevention key

Sept. 16, 2005

Spectrum\Jim Holen

What factor do child abuse and other crimes, family violence and disruption, school and career failure, teen pregnancy, accidents and a variety of other human miseries often have in common? The answer is alcohol and other drug abuse or addiction by people who are unable to keep their brain "clean and sober."

Recent community surveys indicate alcohol and drug abuse by adults and youth remains the biggest behavioral problem for residents of the Mat-Su area. September is designated by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, a time to join the voices of recovery in healing lives, families and communities.

The good news regarding alcohol and other drug problems is that when people overcome their denial, accept encouragement to get help or are legally required to enter treatment, recovery services continue to be available in the community.

Parents, siblings, spouses, friends, employers, school staff, health-care professionals, courts, clergy, Mat-Su Community Justice Coalition members and others all play a vital part in motivating people exhibiting substance abuse behaviors to get help. Treatment works, and it is available through a variety of resources. Locally, Alaska Family Services, Starting Point, Providence Behavioral Medicine Group, Nugen's Ranch, and others noted in the MTA phone book and The Frontiersman provide quality services that help heal the individual, family and communities suffering from substance abuse disorders.

For youth 5-18 exhibiting symptoms of substance abuse or other worrisome behaviors, the Juvenile Assessment Center, a program of Kids Are People Inc., 357-6713, offers free consultations, comprehensive assessments and assistance in connecting to appropriate resources. Alaska Family Services at 376-4000 offers youth evaluations and outpatient substance abuse treatment.

October, with the annual Red Ribbon Week Campaign Oct. 21-30, highlights the value of keeping the next generation of Mat-Su youth drug-free, thus decreasing the need for adult recovery services.

Prevention of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drug use begins with the parenting provided from birth, and is especially critical in parenting children ages 7-13. Study after study has found that parents make the critical difference in the choices their children make. Good communication, caring involvement, enforcing clear rules with consequences, positive role modeling, teaching children to choose friends wisely and monitoring activities are the foundations of a parent's prevention program. Parents who want to see their child succeed in school, live a healthier life and develop his or her full potential by avoiding substance abuse can obtain the free guide "Keeping Youth Drug Free" at the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, 1-800-729-6686.

Following the notion that "it takes a village to raise a child," the Mat-Su community offers a wide array of youth development opportunities. Children connected with positive, supportive peers and adults in fun, developmental activities reduce their risks for developing substance abuse problems. Youth activities provided by schools, scouting, churches, sports leagues, fraternal and business groups, recreation and vocational programs, local governments and other groups help youth increase their individual assets for living a healthy, productive, community-minded and drug-free lifestyle. Check your local phone book, the Frontiersman, and other print and broadcast media for opportunities for children you care about. Reducing the demand for illegal drug use, and for the illegal use of tobacco and alcohol by young people, will help reduce the supply that is provided by greedy dealers and others. Creating a healthy, clean and sober Mat-Su Valley is an optimistic vision for today, and through substance abuse recovery and prevention it can be a legacy to give to our families and community.

Jim Holen is a counselor at the Juvenile Assessment Center, a program of Kids Are People Inc.