YMCA Family Services

Addiction is a disease. Nonetheless, individuals are still responsible for their actions and must learn to address their problems. While here is no "cure", treatment can and does help people regain control of their lives and escape the downward spiral of addiction.

When someone is trying hard to hide their problem, here are some things to look for:

• Criminal justice problems

• Child welfare system involvement

• Losing a job for no apparent reason

• Changes in attitude towards work or social situations

• Changes in relationships with friends and family members

• Physical changes such as hyperactivity; sleepiness; a haggard, drawn appearance;

• Loss of appetite

• Behavioral changes, including isolation, depression, anger, sensitivity, defensiveness, aggression,  spending time alone, or violence

• Serious consequences resulting from drug or alcohol abuse (blackouts, DWI)

Program Goals

• To become clean and sober

• To develop skills for surviving adversity, both today and down the road

• To build the self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-control to prevent relapse

• To teach reliance on one’s own inner resources

• To help establish the sense of empowerment that comes with self-reliance

• To foster feelings of being valued as a friend or group member

• To reassure that it’s ok to get help when you need it

• To create a strong support network

The stresses of the teen and young adult years can make you especially susceptible to drug or alcohol abuse. 

Signs of a possible problem include:

• Experimental or active drug or alcohol use

• Changes in attitude towards school, home or family

• Legal problems

• Changes in usual behavior and/or mood

• Changes in social relationships (i.e. “falling in with a bad crowd”)

• Behavioral changes, including depression; anger; sensitivity, defensiveness, secrecy, aggression, spending time alone, or violence

• Physical changes, including hyperactivity, sleepiness, a haggard, drawn appearance, or dramatic changes in dress

Program Goals

• To develop skills to cope with feelings/experiences

• To develop skills for surviving adversity, both today and down the road

• To learn to have fun without the use of alcohol and drugs

• To build the confidence to resist temptation and pressure

• To develop one’s own inner strengths

• To help establish the sense of empowerment that comes with self-reliance

• To reassure that it’s ok to get help when you need it, at any age

• To foster sobriety and recovery from each individual’s identified needs

• To build a network of positive relationships, and engage in positive activity