Training tackles risky behavior in youth
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
PABLO — According to a national survey done in 2008, 57.6 percent of Lake County eighth-graders had tried more than a few sips of alcohol. By the time these students reach their sophomore year in high school, that number rises to nearly 80 percent.
The shocking numbers are higher than both the state’s average and the national average, but fortunately there are entities and organizations in the valley that are working diligently to try and lower those statistics — and hopefully curb risky behaviors.
On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday a free substance abuse specialist training was held to assist professionals in the substance abuse prevention field.
The training curriculum was adopted from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration and the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention through the Department of Health and Human Services. Lisa Beczkiewicz, supervisor of the Flagship Program in Missoula, presented the 30 hour training at Mission Valley Power.
The professionals who attended included specialists from Court Appointed Special Advocates, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, the Ronan School District, Two Eagle River High School and other concerned community members. At the end of the training, the attendees certified as prevention specialists through the DHHS.
Not only did the training provide professionals with the substance abuse prevention literature and training, but it also provided them with a means to network with other professionals who work with youth and substance abuse.
According to prevention specialist Julia Roberts, there is a huge need for networking among such professionals in Lake County. Roberts works with Western Montana Addiction Services and provides Lake County schools with prevention classes for youth in kindergarten through 12th grade.
“For us (the training has) been nice because we are networking and seeing how we can work together,” Roberts said.
Attendees at the training discussed different substance abuse prevention resources available to the communities, including schools, Family Matters, the Rotary Club, civic organizations, and many churches.
Obviously, one of the most important resources for children is the parents.
Unfortunately, parents sometimes serve as risk factors rather than protective factors for their children, Beczkiewicz explained.
Though the training covered many forms of substance abuse, Beczkiewicz focused on marijuana and alcohol abuse and explained that children often learn these risky behaviors from their parents.
“There’s a lot of underage drinking,” Roberts said. “And there’s a lot of traditional thinking that it’s ok to drink.”
She explained that children inherit this attitude from their parents and that many organizations are working to change the thought process, behavior and social norm in Lake County.
“They need to know that drinking and driving is not ok,” Roberts said. “It’s not safe.”
Roberts said that one of the more problematic issues that she would like to see addressed is the lack of a strong after school program for high school students who are not active in sports or extra curricular activities. And both Roberts and Beczkiewicz agree that transition years, specifically from 8th grade to high school are extremely critical for students.
Though seemingly worse in Montana, the numbers indicate that the problems with substance abuse in minors is a universal issue. Beczkiewicz states that they are not just targeting the typical “at risk” children. In the war against substance abuse, “all kids are at risk.”
But in the long run, the parents’ role in the development of a healthy child is critical. Roberts maintains that parents should listen to their children, find common interests to share with them and also get involved in their community and schools.
“It’s important that parents are creative in their methods of prevention,” Roberts said.
And there are plenty of resources out there to help parents raise healthy children in healthy communities.
“Everyone wants to do what’s best for kids,” Beczkiewicz said. “We are just trying to provide the tools for the parents (to use).”
