Substance Abuse Awareness Program

Program Overview

Needham Youth & Family Services offers the Substance Abuse Awareness Program for Needham young people who are referred for an educational / counseling program regarding substance abuse. Youth who participate investigate levels of current use and the internal and external motivations for their substance use.

Staff are currently implementing curriculum from iDECIDE, a program that promotes education and empowerment, instead of punishment, as an equitable response to adolescent substance use. Providing youth with science-based information and critical skills, iDECIDE challenges young people to make decisions that align with their core values and future goals to support their own personal wellbeing. 

This program addresses the following areas of substance use:

• Assessment
• Education
• Skill Building

Assessment

In this portion, topics such as family history, initial and current use, media influences, attitude towards substances, and other risk factors are investigated. The goal is to make an accurate determination of the participants' current use of and attitude regarding substances.

Education

This segment of the program provides information to participants regarding the potential dangers of substances. With the counselor, youth discuss the impact of substance use on the body, explore areas such as addiction and dependence, learn about legal ramifications, and read up-to-date articles on a variety of drugs and alcohol.

Skill Building

In the skill building phase, tools for the future such as decision-making, coping with stress and peer pressure, and future goals are identified. Program participants gain an appreciation of the consequences of substances, and learn the skills needed to make mature and responsible decisions in the future.

Referrals

Referrals are accepted from the Needham Police Department, Dedham District Court, Needham public and private schools, or from parents.

Referrals and further questions can be directed to needhamyouth@needhamma.gov or by calling 781-455-7500.