DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROGRAM AIMED TO HELP YOUTH

Cindy Cropley and Mike Kent of Freedom Quest want to help youth aged
13-19 with their drug and alcohol problems by utilizing the Youth
Alcohol and Drug Intensive Day Treatment Program for six weeks.

Youth will receive help free of charge in areas such as Process of
Change, personal goals/treatment plans, risk reduction/relapse
prevention and conflict resolution among other topics beginning October 3.

Cropley, a facilitator, said they would like people who know people
with issues to pass on that the program is being offered. While they
will accept referals from anyone, it comes down to the person wanting help.

"People have to want to come," added Kent, a facilitator/recreation
coordinator.

One of the things youth can look forward to is that information won't
be given in a lectured manner and part of the program includes
participating in various recreation events.

"We try to keep it fun and focused," Cropley added. "The youth that
come usually enjoy it."

The regional program, which goes to various communities, has been
around for seven to eight years and has been a success.

"It is set up realistically to help people set their own goals," Kent
explained. "People want to make changes when drugs or alcohol are
affecting them in a negative way."

Kent and Cropley will accept between eight to 10 youths which will
help them work with each person, especially when it comes to dealing
with individual plans.

"The program is tailored on a few areas," she explained.

"I like the intensive nature of it," Kent added. "The group work is
really good. The learning that comes out of it is fantastic.

"The ones who stick it out are really helped," he added.

Once the youth have completed the program, Kent and Cropley do a
follow-up and make sure they receive necessary support, which
includes making themselves available if necessary.

The program takes place three times a week from Wednesday through
Friday. For more information contact the Castlegar office at
304-2676, 1-800-304-2676 or cindyfq@shaw.ca and mikefq@shaw.ca