TURNINGS Offers Services to Violators of Underage Drinking Laws

TURNINGS addresses underage drinking by providing a group designed to educate members about the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Youth who come before the court due to alcohol and/or other drug use can be referred to this six-week group. Sessions include information on the biological, psychological, and social aspects of addiction, alcohol and other drugs and the brain, chemical dependency and the family, the stages of recovery, relapse prevention, and HIV/AIDS awareness training. Each session provides the group member with information about the topic followed by analysis and discussion in order to facilitate the group member's understanding as to how to apply the information to him/herself. One of the highlights for participants is when the content of a group session provides them with an "ah ha!" that helps them better understand and deal with their substance abuse issues. One participant said in response to a discussion about chemical dependency and the family, "[I will] cherish family more than my dad did and learn from his mistakes so that my son can have a better life."

TURNINGS also provides a two-session family education group to support the efforts of clients enrolled in TURNINGS programs and to support the efforts of family members to cope with and understand the impact alcohol and/or other drugs have had on the family unit.

Judges and magistrates may refer youth and families to these groups by calling TURNINGS at (716) 396-4190 or our toll free number 1-(877) 831-9791.

~June Fisher