Program aims to help teens keep clear of alcohol
Tarrant County mental health professionals and advocates are drafting a pilot program aimed at treating teens who are slipping into alcoholism.
The proposed High School Alcohol Diversion Program, modeled after college programs, would allow teens with alcohol violations to stay at their schools instead of being sent to alternative schools.
That would help prevent them from losing academic focus and allow professionals to help them combat alcohol abuse.
Alcoholism often surfaces among shy teens who want to stop feeling bad about themselves and among thrill-seeking teens who drink for the buzz. But genetics also play a role, Chorpita said.
Understanding what treatment works for which condition helps parents and mental health providers better address young people’s mental health problems, he said.
Social anxiety disorder can be treated by challenging teens to face their fears so they can better handle social pressures while maintaining their individuality, Chorpita said.
Tags: academic focus, advocates, alcohol abuse, alcohol diversion program, alcohol violations, alcoholism, alternative schools, county mental health, fears, genetics, individuality, mental health problems, mental health professionals, mental health providers, pilot program, proposed high school, shy teens, social anxiety disorder, social pressures, tarrant county
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