Workshops Help Reduce Teen Drug Risk

BISBEE, AZ – In the “Guiding Good Choices” workshop series, parents will learn how to strengthen the bonds with their children and reduce the risk that their children will use drugs. The five-week program, funded by Phelps Dodge, is being offered by The Parent Connection, Inc., and will be held at the Copper Queen Library on successive Tuesdays from 4:30-6:30 beginning April on 17. (This is a change from the original schedule, which was to begin on April 3).

“Guiding Good Choices” is an interactive program for parents of children in grades 4-8. In a lively and open atmosphere, parents will learn specific strategies to help their children avoid drug use and other adolescent problem behaviors so they can develop into healthy adults. Parents will learn to set clear family guidelines on drugs, as well as learn and practice skills to strengthen family bonds, help their children develop healthy behaviors, and increase children’s involvement in the family.

Research has shown that when children are bonded to their parents, school, and non-drug-using peers, they are less likely to get involved in drug use or other behavior problems. Studies of the “Guiding Good Choices” program have shown that it is effective in strengthening parent-child bonds and preventing teenagers from starting to use alcohol and other drugs.

This workshop series is based on a theory of human behavior that identifies the factors that promote social boding and positive behavior. It also identifies nineteen factors that increase the risk of teenage drug use, as well as delinquency, teen pregnancy, dropping out of school and violence.

For more information or to register for the series, please call presenter Liz Williams at 458-2131, ext. 109, or contact the library at 432-4232.