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Show 4E 11, 1981 November FOCUS The The Prevention Center once served the sole purpose of dealing with adolescents with problems, particularly drug problems. Since its inception in 1975, it has d evolved into a and education counseling center with outreach programs that are welcomed by families school districts across Summit County. The multi-facete- Prevention Center staff, which includes Director Teresa Nelsen. Clinical Social Worker Bob Pingree, Counselor Rosie Miller and student intern Martha Hauser. now offers marriage counseling, individual counseling, group and family counseling and substance abuse counseling and therapy. The main focus of the Prevention Center, however, is PREVENTION, according to Director Teresa Nelsen. And the prevention of substance abuse problems begins at an early age. According to national studies the predisposition for drug use is formed as early as 4th or Sth Grade, it is then Nelsen explained that a child's value system is most - l impressionable. The child begins forming peer associations and decision making patterns which will be used for a lifetime. It is important to reach youngsters at that age, "not to tell them not to drink or smoke but vo help them learn how to make decisions," she elaborated. In order to help youngsters define their values and to recognize such things as peer group pressure and discrimination, the Preven- tion Center staff offers various classroom exercises for Grades K through 12. They also conduct teacher training workshops based on the Tobacco Acohol Risk Reduction Program funded by a federal grant to the Timpanogos Mental Health Program. The need for values clarification sessions has been affirmed by the teachers, the school administrators and even the students themselves. "Kids should know about drugs before they start using them, lots of kids don't know anything about them." said two middle school students The students themselves find the decision-makin- g exercises interesting and useful. in Coalville. "I cannot separate substance abuse, from mental health problems." stated Nelsen. Psychological problems leading to substance abuse may include peer pressure, lack of And or emotional stress. we define the term "sub- self-estee- m The tough thing is risking your feelings among your peers, says Nelsen of the in-cla- ss |