NCJ Number
133396
Date Published
1984
Length
213 pages
Annotation
Chemical dependency programs for teenagers were established in three public school systems in the greater Cleveland area: Parma, Bedford, and Shaker Heights. The programs, which have been very successful, resulted from the cooperative efforts of parents, community leaders, schools, and alcohol and drug counselors.
Abstract
This book is based on several themes. The first is that most families, educators, and communities do not recognize that addiction is a physical illness. Some families are unwilling to believe their child is an addict until all other answers to the child's problems have been exhausted. Since drugs and alcohol are easily available, teenagers are able to obtain whatever they are willing to pay for. Finally, cooperation works. This book presents a model for communities who need to formulate a response to their own teenage drug and alcohol epidemic and outlines the roles that schools, treatment centers, the courts, and State and Federal governments can assume.