Pubdate: Mon, 06 Nov 2006 Source: Tribune Review (Pittsburgh, PA) Copyright: 2006 Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/trib/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/460 Author: Chris Foreman PROGRAM TRAINS KIDS TO STAY DRUG-FREE Janine Pacelli doesn't want teenagers to view her as another Mr. Mackey, the little-respected "South Park" counselor who repeats a "drugs are bad" mantra without thoroughly explaining the consequences. But she's not seeking to use scare tactics, either, to persuade teens to ponder the dangers of drug use, underage drinking and smoking. As a treatment specialist for the Fayette County Drug and Alcohol Commission, Pacelli says she's confronted by teens growing up in communities where a prevailing feeling exists that alcohol, tobacco and marijuana use is an accepted way of fitting in. In organizing a new monthly prevention program, Pacelli, 27, strives to connect with teens who might be unwilling to talk with their parents about the peer pressure and other influences that could lead to substance abuse. "There's no real support system out there for adolescents who are looking for help," Pacelli said This season, the commission unveiled the Underage Curriculum for Adolescent Needs, a free, five-evening program to train kids how to live a substance-free lifestyle. The prevention program was spawned from similar programs the commission managed that weren't regularly scheduled. The second small-group program of the fall concluded Sunday night. The goal is to have a group of between eight and 10 children that meet every month. Referrals come from magistrates, school officials, physicians or parents who have identified a child as an underage drinker or drug user or believe the child may be at risk to use. The program is for people 21 and younger. Unlike most of the referrals, a student can't avoid the program if a district judge makes the recommendation. Some judges, including Robert W. Breakiron, of Bullskin Township, might use the program as a substitute for the $300 fine a student would face upon pleading guilty to an underage drinking citation. "It puts a little salt in their oats, so to speak, to get them to go," Breakiron said. "It's an awareness program, and I think these young people need to be aware of the problems that drinking and drugs cause." "It could save a life down the road, too," he said. Although Underage Curriculum for Adolescent Needs isn't designed as an inpatient program, the commission performs a complete psychiatric assessment and studies a client's medical history to determine if there are any greater needs. During the five evenings, Pacelli describes the effects that drugs and alcohol have on the body, relates the family issues that can arise from substance abuse and explores the link between substance abuse and sexual activity. The fourth day is a family session in which a relative attends and participates. "My goal is to enlighten them and their families that it could be a problem," Pacelli said. "Maybe it's not now, but it could be, and you're taking a risk." As an offshoot of the prevention program, the commission's prevention specialists are getting into Fayette County's elementary schools to talk with younger students. "Our teachers are really excited that people are coming in with the resources and the know-how," said Ed Zelich, principal of Hatfield Elementary School in the Laurel Highlands School District. The commission hopes its prevention programs help children with their daily choices, said Joseph Augustine, of the prevention unit. "It's something that you should want to take advantage of," he said. "The help is here, you just have to be willing to take the next step." - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine