Posted on August 12, 2009

Drugs and alcohol can be a big problem for teens who get involved and don’t know how to get out. For parents and teachers seeking ways to keep kids away from this lifestyle, one organization offers a simple answer: family.

A recent news piece out of the My Central Jersey news portal highlights the philosophy of the Middlesex County chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence which says children with strong family ties are less likely to get involved in drugs and alcohol.

To build on its philosophy, the organization offers a free seven-week program, “Strengthening Families.” The program offers a free dinner and builds on the strength of the family.

“We teach kids to better communicate with their parents,” said Steve Liga, chief executive officer of the Middlesex County chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, a nonprofit organization that promotes strong family ties as a deterrent to drugs and alcohol.

The program partners with the YMCA to help continue the bonds created among the family members. Residents who complete the program complete a six month family membership to the South Brunswick Family YMCA.

According to Liga, families are taxed with little time to spend together. Everyone tends to be overscheduled, leaving little time to interact as a family and build the skills that are taught in the program.

Kids involved in the program are between the ages of 10 and 14 and are offered a new perspective on their parents. They are asked to check in with their parents to find out how they day went instead of having a one-way conversation about their young lives. Kids are also encouraged to ask their parents about their dreams and goals when they were kids to uncover common ground.