Pubdate: Thu, 04 Dec 2003
Source: Oregon Daily Emerald (U of Oregon, OR Edu)
http://www.dailyemerald.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2003/12/04/3fcf6493959ff?in_archive=1
Copyright: 2003, Oregon Daily Emerald
Contact: ode@oregon.uoregon.edu
Website: http://www.dailyemerald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1518
Author: Athanasios Fkiaras

SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAM STAYS OPEN DURING HOLIDAYS

The University's Substance Abuse Prevention Program Is Providing Counseling
As Well As A Hot Chocolate Bar

Drew Carter's memories of past winter holidays are not as bright as he
would like them to be. Christmas was a time of isolation for him.

"I used to build a wall between me and my family, and I would get
depressed," he said.

Carter, 32, became a drug abuser at age 14. He said that substances
provided a form of entertainment and a chance to fit in with his peers.
However, after being arrested for possession of marijuana and going through
court-mandated rehabilitation at age 22, he began to look at his life
differently and experienced what he deemed his "turnaround."

"Being faced with consequences opened my eyes," he said.

Carter stayed sober and has been helping out Oregon youth since the
rehabilitation allowed him a chance to re-evaluate his past choices. He
said he aspires to be a positive role model for students who might be going
through what he experienced as a teen. Now preparing to graduate from
Pacific University with a degree in school counseling, he is interning at
the University Substance Abuse Prevention Program for his work sample.

"SAPP provides comprehensive curriculum to inform students on how choices
will impact their lives," Carter said.

SAPP courses are open to all students who want to take them, and they are
mandatory for others who have been charged with alcohol or drug offenses of
possession, selling, allowing or furnishing.

SAPP Director Miki Mace said that the reason students continue to return to
SAPP is because the program offers practical and meaningful solutions that
students can apply to their everyday lives. Mace pointed to the two primary
reasons youth might turn to substance use as pleasure and/or pain. She said
that students are especially vulnerable during the holiday season, when
anger, hunger, tiredness and loneliness become issues for various persons
with or without families and a home to turn to. This is why she and her
staff keep the office open to all students who might need support of any kind.

"Students are always welcome here, whether it be for a class because they
are in a crisis, or simply for a place to go," she said.

Mace and her staff make it a point every month to have some sort of free
refreshment stand in the office so that students can come by and have a
place to socialize, relax and feel at home. For the month of December, the
SAPP office will be furnishing a hot cocoa bar, and Mace said all are welcome.

"Even if (the program) was just to help one student, it would be worth it,"
staff member Ann Kokkeler said. The University Substance Abuse Prevention
Program office is located at 180 Esslinger.