ARP/Phoenix Prevention Services Provides Substance Abuse Programs for Youth Across North Carolina

ARP/Phoenix, a major provider of prevention, outpatient, inpatient and residential mental health and substance abuse services in North Carolina, has assumed a key role in substance abuse prevention in 28 counties throughout North Carolina.

(PRWEB) December 10, 2004 -- ARP/Phoenix, a major provider of prevention, outpatient, inpatient and residential mental health and substance abuse services in North Carolina, has assumed a key role in substance abuse prevention in 28 counties throughout the state.

The overall growth of our organization during the past year has been phenomenal," says Don Reeves, director of ARP/Phoenix. In 2003 we conducted over 2,700 individual assessments and had over 24,000 client contacts. In 2004 we came close to doubling those numbers. We now employ approximately 300 full-time and part-time staff members, more than quadruple the number we had with us last year."

A portion of this growth can be attributed to the expansion of ARP/Phoenix Prevention Services. Our prevention services programs provide young people with the skills they need to avoid substance abuse and other risky behaviors," says Blair Clark, senior member of the ARP/Phoenix management team. These programs deliver prevention skills and strategies for children, adolescents and parents. Everything we do in this regard is based on helping them develop a compelling vision for their lives and the strategies and skills necessary to make their vision reality."

ARP/Phoenix, an Asheville-based non-profit organization owned by Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care, Inc., works with communities across North Carolina to implement science-based model prevention programs approved by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP).

We know that teenage alcohol use and other drug use are problems in North Carolina," says ARP/Phoenix Prevention Coordinator Patti Tiberi. In fact, 45 percent of 8th graders, 75 percent of 10th graders and 83 percent of 12th graders report that that alcohol and drugs are available to them. And while many people may have the misperception that most teens are regularly using these substances, the truth is that the majority of them dont."

A great deal of prevention research has gone into determining why most young people are choosing to abstain from these readily available substances, and the findings are being integrated into model prevention programs. These programs focus on providing youth with access to the protective factors that contribute to healthy choices. Most youth-oriented prevention programs reduce or delay use of alcohol and other drugs by up to 30 percent," continues Tiberi. When you consider that the total national cost attributed to drug and alcohol, abuse and dependency is nearly $250 billion annually, its obvious that prevention programs are a very good investment."

We now have funding to help start prevention programs in several North Carolina counties," says Reeves. These model programs have been approved by SAMHSA, CSAP and the State of North Carolina. Anyone wanting to be part of this community-based prevention effort can email Patti Tiberi Prevention Coordinator at Patti@arp-phoenix.com or call her at 828-254-2700, extension 322. In addition, you can find more information at our website--www.arp-phoenix.com."

Prevention Programs currently facilitated by ARP/Phoenix:
•   AllStars works as a school-based or community-based program for adolescents 11 to 14 years old to delay and prevent high-risk behaviors including substance use, violence and premature sexual activity by fostering development of positive personal characteristics.
•   Guiding Good Choices (GGC) uses multimedia to give parents knowledge and skills for guiding children through early adolescence (eight to 13 years old).
•   Parenting Wisely is a computer-based program to help children nine to 18 years old and their parents combat risk factors for substance use and abuse. It uses a risk-focused approach to reduce family conflict and child behavior problems such as stealing, vandalism, defiance of authority, bullying and poor hygiene.
•   Children in the Middle is a program for children age five to 18 and their parents to reduce the impact of divorce or separation. The program helps families improve communication reducing the likelihood of youth choosing alcohol or other drug use to help cope with the pain of the experience.
•   Project Alert dramatically reduces the onset and regular use of substances by middle school students (11 to 14 years old) by focusing on substances adolescents are most likely to use--alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and inhalants.
•   Project Toward No Tobacco (TNT) is a comprehensive classroom-based program designed to prevent or reduce tobacco use by children 10 to 15 years old.
•   Project Toward No Drug Abuse (TND) helps high school youth age 14 to 19 years old resist substance abuse through motivational activities, social skills training and decision-making
•   Second Step is a classroom-based social skills program for children from pre-school through middle school, or four to 14 years old. This innovative program focuses on reducing impulsive, high-risk and aggressive behaviors.
•   Strengthening Families trains children age six to 14 years old and their families and shows them ways to reduce risk factors and avoid behavioral, emotional, academic and social problems.

Some counties currently served by ARP/Phoenix Prevention Services:
•   Western Highlands (Buncombe, Henderson, Mitchell, Yancey, Transylvania, Rutherford, Polk, Madison counties): contact Patti Tiberi or Jeanne Dairaghi at 828-254-2700.
•   Pathways (Gaston, Lincoln, Cleveland counties): contact Maceo May at 704-842-6382.
•   Foothills (McDowell County): contact Lewis Dorman at 828-438-1002.
•   Smoky Mountain (Graham, Clay, Cherokee, Swain, Haywood, Jackson, and Macon counties): contact Patti Tiberi at 828-254-2700 x 322.

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