CENTER IN WESTON TO OFFER ANTI-DRUG PROGRAM FOR YOUTH

Stresses Dangers, Power Of Choice

A new Weston program offers drug counseling to teens in Spanish as well as
English.

Open Mind, a bilingual counseling center, is broadening its offerings to
include a new program that shows teens the dangers of drug use and how to
make informed choices.

Its creator, center director Dr. Sara Szpektor, describes Por Una Vida
Libre de Drogas (For a Drug-Free Life) as an educational experience in
which teenagers will be informed about problems related to drug use. The
program will emphasize the physical and social effects of drug use, and it
will be conducted in Spanish.

The idea for the eight-class program, which begins this month, was a direct
result of listening to teenagers complain of boredom, said Szpektor.

"In my practice, I hear so many teenagers saying there's nothing to do,"
Szpektor said. "They are looking for excitement, and that's when they may
be tempted to take drugs. There's nothing available like this program in
Spanish in this area. I see a real need for it."

Szpektor, who lives in The Lakes area of Weston, teamed up with addiction
specialist counselor and fellow Weston resident Miriam Campo. Together,
they developed a program designed to equip young people between the ages of
13 and 20 with the most comprehensive tools to help them understand
specific challenges they face.

"It's my intention to educate them, not to scare them," said Szpektor. "The
program is preventive. It's not for addicts. We will teach them about the
effects of drugs on the brain, how it affects our behavior, and how it can
alter the whole family system if just one member is on drugs."

The program will encourage open discussion of issues related to social
interaction.

The one-hour classes will take place every Tuesday evening at the center in
Weston Medical Suites, 1845 N. Corporate Lakes Blvd.

For those in need, she would consider a fee based on a sliding scale.

"Although I'm not seeing drug addicts, I know it's easy for them to have
access to drugs if they want them," said Szpektor. "I want to educate them
and provide them with the knowledge so they can make an informed decision."

She also aims to help the students develop better communication skills and
improve family relationships.

"Communication between parents and kids is crucial. If there's good
communication at home, there's a good chance the kids will be drug-free,"
she said.

For more information on the program, call 385-9550.