Classes | Intervention | Parent and Parent & Family Programs FAQ

A recent study asked kids, aged 11 through 17, "Who has a very important influence on you?" The kids' responses were: parents (86%), grandparents (56%), places of worship (55%), teachers (50%) peers (41%), community (23%), and television, movies and music (22%).

Studies consistently show that parents are the single most important influence on kids' decisions to smoke, drink, or use drugs. Yet many parents and caregivers don’t know what to do when it comes to dealing with youth’s drugs and alcohol issues.

It is important to recognize the signs that your child may have a problem with drugs or alcohol. Some signs include mood changes (temper, irritability, defensiveness), problems at school (changes in grades, attendance), changes in friends, changes in appearance, and a lack of involvement in former interests. In addition, look for physical and mental changes in your child (poor concentration, bloodshot eyes and slurred speech). Finding drugs or alcohol in your child’s room or in his or her belongings is a clear indicator. If you think your child may have a problem, it is important to seek help immediately!

Counselors, teachers, clergy and substance abuse treatment and prevention providers like ARP can provide parents with valuable tools for dealing with their children.

These tools include intervention techniques, awareness about drugs and alcohol dependency and tips for increasing family bonding -- the key to preventing drug or alcohol use in youth.

Below are some resources to help you get started.

Parenting and Family Classes

Children in the Middle helps children and parents deal with children’s reactions to divorce, helping to reduce anxiety which can lead to risk of behavior problems, depression, substance abuse, teen pregnancy or school dropout.

Guiding Good Choices gives parents of children in grades four through eight the knowledge and skills needed to guide their children through early adolescence. The program increases school success and buffers children against later problems.

Nurturing Parenting builds nurturing skills and positive child rearing attitudes. Programs address specific child age groups and cultures and promote self-awareness, self-esteem and empathy in both parents and children.

Parenting Wisely is a self-administered, computer-based program that teaches parents and their children ages, 9 to 13, important skills for reducing family conflict and combating risk factors for substance abuse and abuse.

Strengthening Families is aimed at preventing substance abuse among youth ages, 6 to 16, and improving family communication skills. Parents or guardians meet separately from their children and both groups come together for discussion and a meal.

To find out more about classes, contact our Prevention Services professionals at 828-254-2700 or 877-678-2696 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Intervention

It’s very important that you know what to do if you think your child is using drugs or alcohol. Becoming educated about drugs and alcohol and relying on qualified help will give you the tools to comfortably intervene if and when that becomes necessary.

Click here for printable information on how to intervene and call us today at 828-254-2700 or 877-678-2696 to schedule a confidential appointment with a Substance Abuse counselor to determine an intervention strategy that may help you and your loved one to begin the treatment journey to recovery. If you prefer, e-mail us and a representative will get in touch with you.

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