AN ALTERNATIVE PEER GROUP PROGRAM

An Alternative Peer Group (APG) program provides recovery support for young people and and their families who are dealing with the devastating effects of substance use. In addition to helping individuals achieve freedom from active addiction, this uniquely designed model has several components that address the developmental needs of the young people who are participating.

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The APG program provides the following services:

1) Supportive, intensive outpatient therapy

2) After-school programming

3) Teen support groups

4) Clean, Sober and Fun Pro-social activities

4) Educational support

5) Family counseling

6) Parent & family support services

For many people who suffer from this disease, addiction begins in adolescence. Some research has shown that teen users are at much higher risk of developing an addictive disorder compared to adults, and the earlier they begin, the higher the risk. Although not all young people who experiment with substance use go on to develop addiction, with regular use, it is always possible to develop chemical dependencies which may have long term impact on their developing brains.

APG’s allow for earlier interventions which increase the likelihood of success. Research indicates that this model is much more effective than traditional adolescent treatment approaches.

It is well known that one of the hallmarks of successful recovering is learning to avoid people, places and things. Peer group influence is the single biggest obstacle for teens trying to live a drug and alcohol free life. Many youth struggle with remaining alcohol and drug free because it is difficult for them to establish a supportive group of friends who they can relate to who are not using substances. For those teens, an APG program, like the one that The UP Foundation provides, will give young people a community of friends who are not usingand having fun. It is clear that young people who get this type of support have a much greater likelihood of success.

 

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