Prevention Programs
We are dedicated to prevention.
Ascension Brighton Center for Recovery offers a monthly program for children. It is designed for children who have been directly affected by the drug or alcohol addiction of a mother, father, brother, sister, grandparent, or other loved one — whether these relatives or friends are in recovery or still struggling with an active addiction.
Additionally, Ascension Brighton Center for Recovery is actively involved in community efforts to address substance use. Currently, Ascension Brighton Center for Recovery is participating in Wake Up Livingston (Project Lazarus) a local coalition addressing opiate and heroin abuse.
Ascension Brighton Center for Recovery firmly believes that education is a key ingredient both in treating and in preventing addiction. We have a well-rounded group of speakers from a variety of backgrounds and with a range of experience who are willing to share their understanding of addiction and recovery.
The Children’s Program
The Children’s Addiction Prevention Program at Ascension Brighton Center for Recovery is a FREE educational, healing, and addiction-prevention program for children 7 to 12 years of age. It is designed for children who have been directly affected by the drug or alcohol addiction of a mother, father, brother, sister, grandparent, or other loved one — whether these relatives or friends are in recovery or still struggling with an active addiction.
This program can also benefit children who have not been directly exposed to alcoholism or drug addiction, by providing eye-opening awareness not found in other prevention-focused programs. At Brighton, we believe that addiction education and prevention, particularly among children in this age group, can have a positive impact on their lives.
Families Healing Together
Addiction is a cyclical, family disease. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, one in four American children has been exposed to alcoholism at home. Research by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) finds that children of alcoholics are up to four times more likely than others to develop alcoholism and other drug problems themselves.
This three-day Children’s Program is one of only five of its kind in the nation. Children will learn life and self-care skills to heal today, and to reduce the likelihood of developing alcoholism, drug addiction, or other compulsive disorders later in life. Families who have taken part in the program can tell you what it has meant to their children.
The scheduled sessions are below. Registration is required; class sizes are limited; and spots fill quickly. Enroll today! We look forward to helping your child.
Life and Self-Care Skills
Children learn:
- About alcoholism and drug addiction through age-appropriate activities such as art, role play, games, writing, and other fun activities.
- They are not alone. Other children in the program are coping with similar problems in their homes. There is tremendous power in interacting and playing with children with shared experiences.
- That no matter what, addiction is not their fault; and they can’t make a loved one stop using alcohol and drugs; but they can – and should – help themselves.
- Several healthy coping skills including how to identify and express feelings, problem solving skills, and self-care strategies, including how to handle peer-pressure situations.
- How to draw upon their own strengths and to build resilience in order to face home and school challenges in a healthy, positive way.
What Our Program has Meant to Parents
Here is a sample of the feedback received from participating families and professionals:
From a parent: “The program has given my girls a better understanding of addiction and how to let out their feelings related to it. It was helpful for me to have happier children with a better understanding of what has been happening with their dad. I thought the entire program was incredible! It was exactly what my children needed.”
From a referring therapist: “My client thought this was the absolute, greatest program. She had a lot of fun; she learned a lot and she now knows she is not the problem. It was a big turnaround for her and her mother. I see strength in her now and higher self- esteem re: what is going on. Congratulations on the program and continued success in the future!”
From former patients:
- “The program reinforced that my addiction is not their fault and gave them tools to maintain a healthier lifestyle.”
- “This program strengthened my own recovery by reinforcing that I can’t fix it for my boys, that they need to take care of themselves.”
From a 12-year-old who completed the program: “This program helped me to let out my feelings. While I was spending time with these amazing people, I looked at what I had done in the past when I was keeping things bottled up, and I realized that it really hurt me. I will never forget this experience.… I thank (staff) so much for helping me become the person I am now. Being me now is such an amazing feeling! I don’t ever want to lose this feeling”.
Scheduled Sessions in 2019
The Children’s Program is scheduled for every month of 2019, starting in January. The three-day programs run from Friday to Sunday. Here’s a list of the dates:
- January 25-27
- February 22-24
- March 29-31
- April 26-28
- May 31-June 2
- June 21-23; 28-30
- July 12-14; 19-21
- August 2-4; 16-18
- September 27-29
- October 25-27
- November 22-24
- December 13-15
Parents or caregivers join their children in activities on Sunday, the last day of the program. Communication is strengthened, so families can heal together with solid hope and a plan for their healthy future.
How to Register for the Children’s Program
To register:
- Click on the “Enroll today” or “Enroll in the Children’s Program” link on this page to access the registration form.
- The program is free, but we require a $60 check to hold your spot. Your check will be returned at the end of the program.
- Complete the form and mail along with your check to:
Ascension Brighton Center for Recovery
Attention: Pat Schaefer
12891 Grand River Rd.
Brighton, MI 48116
Questions? Call 810-220-1807 or email patricia.schafer@ascension.org.
Enroll in the Children’s Program
Registration is required; class sizes are limited; and spots fill quickly. We look forward to helping your child.
Today
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