By: Allen Sciutto MFTI 

ASAT Intern

 

Monday: January 9th - 5pm

            

Mondays can be a hard day to predict what the group's process will be like in the Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment (ASAT) Program. This is the day we hold a facilitated teen group session, which uses a 12-step format. Each teen is at a different step in the program; some are new and some cannot wait to be out. A seasoned ASAT teen will have little patience for a repeat of the basic ASAT worksheets and psycho-educational DVDs. A new member might not have any idea about ASAT or the 12-step recovery culture. One or two mid-tier teens might have slipped or are in relapse-all of these types constitute a typical ASAT group.

 

One challenge to a group session is countering the usual teen, male-dominated, group fascination with peer bravado and drug lore and somehow redirecting the group's focus toward taking responsibility for theirlife experiences. I ask them to speak for themselves, search their most hidden inner motivations, and envision their world without intoxication.

 

ASAT teens may have spent the weekend coping with family drama or fighting the temptation to use substances, and are usually starting their week "hella" grumpy, angry or tired. They may have lost track of the motivation they had previously gained to stay sober, or they may need to focus all of their attention on bringing up poor grades and making-up missed schoolwork. They may be frustrated or scared about the stark reality of growing up and leaving home in a sober state. As counselors, it is important to get enough rest and find our center so we can remain grounded and not get thrown off by this group's Monday energy. In today's group session,
I want to inquire about what exactly these teens are searching for that lead them to substance use and intoxication; is it a way to escape from some feeling, possibility of finding love, or perhaps an allure to achieve some kind of higher being?We hear all the time from teens, "Everyone is doing it," but just because a behavior might be common with peers does not mean that it is normal or healthy. What can motivate teens to discover their own authenticity which in turn will move their life forward without drugs? It will be interesting to hear what unfolds in our discussion.

  

For more information about the Adolescent Substance Abuse Program go to www.acs-teens.org/programs/asat_program.php   

 

or contact Connie Mayer LMFT,  

Director of Outpatient Counseling Serivices.  

Ph. 650.424.0852 ext. 104   

Visit our website at  www.acs-teens.org for more information about future Breaking the Stigma events.