This article is from page 4 of the 2012-10-16 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
A NEW initiative designed to help teenagers who have been affected by addiction has been established in Ennis. A new Youth Support Programme has been established by the Bushypark Treatment Centre which aims to break the cycle of addiction in some Clare families.
The programme is aimed at teenager between the ages of 14 and 18 years who have been effected by the addictions of others in their families – whether it be parents, siblings or grandparents.
“We are hoping to break the cycle of addiction which runs in some families. Kids do imitate parents behavior – they learn secrecy, they learn to be embarrassed and ashamed at a very young age and they don’t ever get a space to share their own feelings,” said Margaret Nash of Bushypark.
“What we want to do is to help them create coping mechanisms for when they are presented with diffi- cult times in their own life so they don’t just turn to alcohol and drugs themselves when they are faced with a problem.”
The development of self esteem is seen as a key part of new programme offered by Bushypark. “Everyone is faced with a difficult time at one time or another in their life and we would hope that this programme could give people the coping skills and the self esteem needed to get through these situations,” continued Margaret.
“Personal development is really key. We need to give young people the tools to get through difficult situations without turning to drugs or alcohol.”
The service is offered by Bushypark with the help of Clare Youth Services, Clare Alcohol and Drugs Services (SLÁINTE) and the Community Substances and Misuse Team. Bushypark is a service of Clarecare.
Anyone interested in learning more about this or any programme at Bushypark should contact 065 6840944 or visit www.bushypark.ie.