The biggest difference in the participants’ life after being involved in the program is the reduction in their substance use. Some of the youth have stopped their heavy use of substances or are using no “hard” drugs, and some have quit all the substances they previously used. More than one person mentioned that they had never thought they would be able to achieve this change.
Some of the youth pointed out that their connection with the program staff was the foundation of this transformation. One youth mentioned how it was helpful to have someone keep track of their progress.
In addition to obtaining knowledge directly related to substance use, the youth also reported benefiting from increased life skills that they can apply in various aspects of their lives, such as emotional regulation or financial planning. What was talked most by the youth was the acquisition of coping skills. An important skill these youth said they have learned in the program is how to cope with life without using substances.
Our approaches are versatile and practical, providing options for in-person and virtual learning engagement. This flexibility is essential in a post-pandemic learning system. Additionally, our programming takes relationships with the school staff seriously, and works hand-in-hand with teachers and administrators to implement programs to fit their school most effectively, with a lasting, sustainable structure in place.
All the youth reported having enjoyable and memorable experiences during the outings, which is an important component of the program. Some youth acknowledged that the outings allowed them to go to certain activities that they might not have the chance to experience otherwise. More youth commented on how the outings got them outside and encouraged them to be physically active. One youth described how they often times didn’t want to go out because they didn’t think they would have fun, but when they actually joined the outings, they always had a good time and felt much better both physically and mentally. Another youth pointed out that it’s easy to get bored during the school breaks (i.e., Spring Break or Winter Break) so it’s hard to stay away from drugs. They found it helpful to have activities they can engage them during the breaks and keep their mind off using substances.
Many participants talked about the significance of connecting with peers who are around the same age, live in Richmond, and have similar experience. It often stood out for the participants how people in the program were different from some of their other social groups they spent time with elsewhere. One significant difference is that it is not a social environment that is associated with temptations around substance use. Moreover, several youth stated that they found people they met in this group supportive and non-judgmental. They described the program as relaxed and fun, where they met new people, made new friends, and could be calm and be themselves.
The youth reported that when they reduced their drug use, they were able to attend school more often, and they wanted to stay at school more. One youth emphasized the overall good influence on them to be in the program. They got inspired and felt motivated to do better in school and find a suitable career path.
Some youth in program reported that they had few adults who had always been there in their lives to support them. Many others didn’t feel like they could openly talk to their parents or teachers about their experiences and feel understood. The program staff has helped to build a trusting relationship between the youth and adults.
The youth reported increased reflection on their experiences and having clarified goals for themselves. More than one participant mentioned how they had realized that using drugs had limited them to be the best they could be. Along with their progress of reducing drug use and getting their life back on track, the youth started to have more faith in themselves and reported an enhanced sense of self-capacity. They shared their feeling of ‘becoming a better person’ or ‘becoming a better version of me.’
The SYP aims to provide a sober environment in which there are limited triggers for relapse. They utilize tools for long term recovery such as connection to counselling and a supportive adult, support groups and life skills development to help youth complete their education and find work or other sources of fulfillment. It offers a longer-term and more intense day programming for students and youth who need to place recovery above all other priorities as life has become unmanageable for them due to more severe and prolonged drug use and mental health issues.
Youth involved in the program tend to stay in the program for 2-6 months until they are ready to re-integrate back into their community school or steady employment. This time allows for recovery to take hold and practice harm reduction with the ultimate goal of abstinence to replace the habitual drug use. The SYP offers a continuum of day programming that is tailored to the specific needs of the youth and are a graded and progressive response to the presenting issues of the young person. These youth are often currently at risk, marginalized, have home and school issues and multiple barriers such as service access and stigma.
The SYP is tailored to meet the psychological needs of youth working on sobriety and gain a strong foothold in recovery. Youth have been openly supported to work through mental illness symptoms, cravings and symptoms of withdrawal and are encouraged to ask for support. The supportive structures that exist in the program emanate from the SYP Prevention Worker, and the other service providers who provide mentorship and professional relationships as well as from the peer support in the program.
The involvement of the parents is helpful as parents have been actively involved in the recovery journey. Connection to family counselling and education has been offered alongside the youth’s recovery plan in coordination with the other programming offered at RASS and services by community partners.
The support I have received from the program staff made a huge difference. The connection/safety foundation I made with them was the main reason I was able to quit.
The program opened me out of my shell and introduced me to this sober happiness.
I have become a better version of me by being drug free. I never thought or never could do it without the program.
I want to be the best as I can. The program helped me understand how I have limited myself by using drugs.
We get to have fun with people who have gone through the same thing. It makes you feel less alone and less bad about yourself, more normal and happy.
The program has taught me that there are a lot of other ways to cope with life rather than drugs.
We are brought into this atmosphere of positivity and encouragement. Honestly, being with such a positive supportive group makes me feel like I can do anything.