I have a family member with a substance abuse problem. Boulder is a fantastic community where support is abundant. While working with counselors and also talking to parents at ala-non meetings I learned little by little about substance abuse as well as how different people deal with it. Nothing works for everybody; there is no "magic bullet" "one size fits all" way to deal with substance abuse. I believe it is a family disease (dis ease) and we all need to work to get through this as a family: you don't send an addict somewhere to "get better" you deal with the problem together, as a family.
I have compiled a list I hope may assist you in searching for information, support and help about substance abuse for teens, or for help with a "teen at risk".
New Horizons Intensive Out Patient (IOP) program associated with Boulder Community Hospital.
Cornerstone treatment center 720.540.0961 (No website) This an IOP. Very different/controversial program, it is worth calling and talking to a counselor about their approach to teen addiction and recovery. If you don't do anything else with the Cornerstone center read the book by the founder of the center "Beyond the Yellow Brick Road". I believe it is the most helpful book I have read getting me to understand my teen and an addicts mind.
Arapahoe House 303.657.3700 is an IOP more main stream than Cornerstone, closer to New Horizon.
schoolsthatfit.com I learned about this site from some friends at ala-non. A man named Rob has made a business of educating himself about all the different types of schools that are available, special needs, at risk, drug rehab, "boot camps", outdoor focus, you name it, this man; Rob knows about what is available. He interviews the family and the kid that needs to be placed and figures out the "school that fits". I know two people who have used him and they both say he is a godsend.
ARC (IOP for kids in the judicial system) 303.441.1288 Evoni has talked to me a couple of times when I have called with questions (in a panic) She is a really wonderful women who is helpful and knows everything about After Care (IOP), she does aftercare (IOP) for kids in the judicial system but is willing to discuss at risk kids. She obviously cares and wants to make sure your at risk kid doesn't show up at ARC.
Soar High School 720.887.9033 is a a “sober” high school in Westminster. At the time of this writing there were 50 kids enrolled. All the kids are recovering addicts, striving to stay clean.
Ala-non meetings are a must for any family member of an addict. Ala-non is the only way I can cope on some days. Here is a list of the Boulder meetings of Ala-non;
Marijuana anonymous Meetings in Boulder 12 step 303.554.8146 Saturday 9:00am 3245 Kalmia
Alcoholic Anonymous Meetings in Boulder.
Narc-anon Meetings in Boulder.
www.teenstufftodo.com This is an incredibly expansive site listing dozens of individual organizations here in Boulder. I have no idea who sponsors this site, it is a compilation of public and non-profit sites targeting teens. This site is a goldmine of information, it is kind of difficult to navigate, so just keep clicking back and forth-it's worth it.
Compass House Outreach is a community based resource center for teens and their families. Compass House providing shelter for teens who are runaways, in crisis, or victims of abuse, Compass House Outreach provides clinical workshops and community programs for teens (depression, alcohol abuse, anger management, drug abuse, parent-teen conflict) and their families. 303.440.9410. Dr. Hiddleman has answered the phone personally and been so helpful and understanding to me.
These sites are also worth a surf.
http://www.milehighfullpower.org
http://www.co.boulder.co.us/youthcorps The Youth Corps is an 8 week summer program for teens to work for the Boulder Parks and Housing Department.
http://www.bvsd.k12.co.us/schools/boulderhigh/info/linklines/resources.html
Copyright © Mo McKenna, 2003. All rights reserved. Last updated August 11, 2003 email me