PROGRAM OFFERS TEENS ALTERNATIVE TO DRUGS

Cheryl, 15, of Miramar, celebrated 30 days drug-free last
week.

After two years on marijuana, barbiturates and cocaine, the teen, who
requested her last name not be used, said she is on her way to a
better life.

Cheryl is one of many youths being helped by a children's drug
intervention program at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood.

"I want to be a veterinarian now. I couldn't say I wanted to be
anything other than high before the program," Cheryl said.

New Solutions, managed by Memorial Regional Hospital's Adolescent
Service Department, is geared to help children from 9 to 17 in Broward
County get help, but only at their request, said department manager
Suzanne Leitner.

The program is free to some youths and has a minimal fee for others,
depending on need. The program can be reached at 985-1466.

"The goal is to target kids who are at risk of taking drugs or using
drugs, but have not developed a full-blown drug addition," Leitner
said.

Leitner said identifying the children usually starts in the schools by
a teacher reporting "red flag" behavior such as truancy, sudden drop
in grades, or change in attitude, to the school guidance counselor.

Patty Mucha, a guidance counselor at Flanagan High School in Pembroke
Pines, said students identified as at-risk are invited to join the
program, which includes intensive weekly group meetings, sessions that
take place at the child's home with parents, and group community
service and fun activities.

"Guidance counselors are middle men between the teachers and the
program, but the student has the power to say yes or no to the help,"
Mucha said.

Leitner said a $400,000 grant from the Department of Children and
Families launched the program in June 1998. To date, 197 children from
elementary, middle and high schools throughout Broward have been helped.

New Solutions Team Leader Tim Curtin, who heads a staff of six
counselors, said about 17 children from Miramar and Pembroke Pines are
enrolled. He said the intensive part of the program lasts for about
three months, with close follow-up for a year.

"It's difficult for a child to stay drug-free. Recovering adults can
change jobs or move to other cities to get away from influences.
Children have to learn to deal with temptation on a daily basis,"
Curtin said.

Curtin said understanding why a child takes drugs is key to helping
them stop. The program deals primarily with self-esteem and peer
pressure and requires parent participation.

For Cheryl, the program has been a life-changing experience. She no
longer keeps company with friends who take drugs and she watches a lot
of animal television programs.

"Tim gave me a list of places where I can volunteer to help animals"
Cheryl said. "That's what I look forward to now."