Prevention
NATURAL HELPERS OF MAINE
Started in 1985, the Natural Helpers program is rooted in the natural network of ‘teens helping teens’ that exists in every school. When recognized and effectively utilized, this network can play a primary role in the school’s overall prevention and helping systems addressing substance abuse and other high-risk behaviors. This helps to create an environment of respect and personal responsibility within the school community and strengthens the educational environment. By providing these Natural Helpers with training in listening, communication and referral skills, as well as guidance and support for appropriate limit-setting in their own activities, this network is strengthened and often drawn into partnership with the helping professionals in the school.
“It is a great program. Being a new student, Natural Helpers made me feel welcome at my new school.”
How it Works:
National research has demonstrated that peer programs are among the most effective prevention programs that can be implemented, and that the best way to assist teens in developing positive behaviors is to ask other teens to provide that assistance. Simply put, teens will often talk to teens before they talk to adults.
At the beginning of the school year, students in each participating school nominate peers to be Natural Helpers. They are asked to name someone whom they would feel comfortable going to with a personal problem or issue of concern. These are peers who have a natural ability to listen, empathize, and be supportive. Those nominated to be Natural Helpers attend a two-day Fall Retreat, where they learn critical listening skills and how to identify and deal with Red Flag issues. These issues include substance abuse, eating disorders, suicide, harm to self or others, and abuse. Natural Helpers are also trained to know what resources are available in their school community, so that they can refer their peers to the appropriate people who can give professional support. The Natural Helpers are also coached on developing action plan strategies to address areas they identify as key issues in their school community. Day One provides technical assistance to Natural Helpers groups throughout the school year as they implement their action plans.
The Natural Helpers of Maine is tailored to best meet the needs of each participating school. Initially, 10 students and 2 adult facilitators attend the two-day Fall Retreat. The program also offers regular meetings with Adult Facilitators and Student Coordinators and additional, one-on-one trainings/workshops with individual schools. Schools also get the benefit of access to a skilled and knowledgeable staff at Day One who have extensive backgrounds in Prevention. Later in the school year, students and adult facilitators continue to expand their communication skills during the Spring Conference.
Where it is:
The Natural Helpers program serves students in High Schools across Maine. The program serves students in Aroostook, Cumberland, York, Androscoggin, and Oxford Counties. There are Natural Helpers of Maine programs in the following high schools: Bonny Eagle, Casco Bay, Cape Elizabeth, Deering, Falmouth, Fort Kent, Greely, Lake Region, Marshwood, Massabesic, Noble, Old Orchard Beach, Poland, and Scarborough.
How do you get it in your school?
For more information about the Natural Helpers of Maine program, contact Amanda Lonsdale, Natural Helpers of Maine Coordinator, at 207-767-0991 x142 or amandal@day-one.org.
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SCHOOL POLICY
Day One has been providing education, training and outreach services by partnering with schools and their communities for over 30 years to bring increased awareness about the effect of adolescent substance abuse. Day One provides assistance to schools on developing substance abuse policy and appropriate curricula.
How It Works:
School resources include:
- Testimonials by recovering teens - Graduates from Day One treatment programs share their experience and their recovering lifestyle.
- Day One’s Guide to Substance Abuse Services for Schools (click here pdf).
Where it is:
Throughout the State of Maine
How do you get it in your school?
For more information, contact Amanda Lonsdale at 207-767-0991 x142 or amandal@day-one.org
WARNING SIGNS FOR PARENTS
Day One has been a beacon of hope, healing and recovery to generations of young people as they navigate adolescence. As parents navigate that territory with their adolescent, Day One is there to help. There are many reasons why an adolescent might use drugs, including: to ease their pain, relieve boredom, feel good, take risks, satisfy their curiosity, feel grown-up, or to belong to a specific group.
Signs & Symptoms:
How can you tell if your teen is using drugs and alcohol? Look for physical changes and changes in behavior.
Physical Changes: Loss of appetite (but with a craving for sweets, call the ’munchies’), sudden loss of weight, change in sleep patterns, extreme moodiness, reddened or watery eyes, dilated or pin-point pupils, occasional memory loss, slurred and slow speech, lack of energy, disturbed sleep patterns, chronic coughing and poor coordination including staggering or stumbling movements.
Behavior Changes: Change in school work, lack of commitment, skipping school, loss of interest and deterioration in quality of school work, drop in grades, change in friends, reluctance to introduce new friends, loss of enthusiasm, withdrawal from hobbies and sports, loss of interest in past activities/sports, becoming silent/withdrawn, staying away from home and/or school for unexplained periods, irritability and over-reaction to criticism, unusual request for money, devious and manipulative behavior, lack of pride in personal appearance, frequent unexplained phone calls and loss of concentration.
What Parents Can Do:
There are many things that parents can do to help keep their teens off drugs and alcohol, including:
- Talk to your kids
- Know who their friends are
- Teach your teens how to have fun without drinking or drugging
- Regularly help them with their homework
- Encourage your teen to seek your help on important decisions
- Eat dinner together as a family whenever possible
- Set limits
- Know where your kids are and what they are doing
- Be aware of dangerous household items and how much is in the bottle: whipped cream and aerosol cans, nail polish remover, hair spray, paint spray, cough medicine, correction fluid, gasoline, prescription drugs/medication, glue, cleaning fluids
Who to call for help:
If you suspect your teen is using drugs or alcohol, contact Amanda Lonsdale, Prevention & Intervention Coordinator, or Kris Stagg, Administrative Specialist, at the Maine Juvenile Treatment Network. Amanda can be reached at 1.800.269.0016 or amandal@day-one.org. Kris can be reached at 1.800.269.0016 or kriss@day-one.org.