On July 11th, BBBS of Rockland County’s RAMP Program, in partnership with the Lexington Center for Recovery and the Rockland Council on Alcoholism and other Drug Dependence, Inc., began its training series addressing the needs of youth who have either abused opioids, or, have been impacted by the addiction of their parents, through support, intervention and prevention. Mentors were invited for a pizza party with an introduction to substance abuse led by Kathleen Carney, LMHC, the Clinic Director of the Lexington Center for Recovery.
The training focused on “What is Substance Abuse Treatment” and covered the common signs and symptoms to look for in a person with a Substance Abuse Disorder. This training went into detail about the types of substance abuse disorders and a variety of ways a person can receive treatment for the disorder. The training also covered the higher risk youth who experiment with substance are at for risky behaviors; and how imperative it is to get them the support they need.
This initial session was followed, also in July, by the Lexington Center for Recovery giving BBBS of Rockland County’s staff training on an overview of Adolescent Substance Abuse. This second training was conducted by LCR’s Program Director Jasmine Velez. Both sessions were extremely informative and served as a foundation for RAMP’s outreach to Rockland youth and teens.
August 12th, BBBS of Rockland County held its second training for Mentors entitled “Dangers in Disguise: The Bedroom & Beyond.”
Margarita Santana, Prevention Program Coordinator and Kayla Cabacungan, Prevention Educator from Rockland Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependence, Inc. (RCADD) changed our Intake Interview room into a mock bedroom and via an interactive exercise, enabled mentors to become more aware regarding not only potential contraband (drugs) but, also the paraphernalia, clothing and other references that may serve as indicators of potential drug abuse.
BBBS plans to offer this interactive training to our Parents/Guardians. A future date/time has yet to be confirmed. If you are interested in other possible training topics regarding adolescent opioid/drug abuse, please let us know.
Contact Sarah Arras, Program Supervisor:
sarras@bbbsofrc.com, 845-634-2199, x4.
