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St Leonard's Society
Many people suffer day to day from the effects of addiction. This can take a toll on every aspect of their lives, and impact those around them. Fortunately, there are ways to deal with these problems. St. Leonard’s Community Services Addiction and Mental Health Programs offer free, comprehensive assistance and counseling for everyone from 0 to 99 years of age. Their services include individual assessment and family counseling, needle exchange, and much more. It is possible to get in touch with St. Leonard’s through administration, a guidance counselor, or simply by making an appointment in the guidance office, depending on each individual’s comfort level. A counselor, Julie Russell, is present at Assumption every Tuesday and Thursday morning.
The first step in the counseling program is to determine goals. These can be goals ranging from obtaining more information and prevention to ending addiction. They are also specific to each individual. Next, plans are made to reach these goals. All goals, plans and results are the result of teamwork between the person seeking assistance and the counselor. This produces much less pressure and much better results.
Education is another important way that this agency impacts the community. It helps to reduce existing problems and prevent future issues. Also, it benefits the entire community by increasing employment and making it a safer place to live.
St. Leonard’s is the only organization in Brantford to offer these unique services. The service is free and covers all bases, including justice services. In addition to a counselor within our school community, the St. Leonard’s Community Services–Addiction and Mental Health office is located at 1110 Clarence Street South, Suite 101. The phone number is (519) 754-0253, and the office hours are 9:00 to 5:00, Monday through Friday, however these hours are flexible.
If you are suffering from, or know someone who is suffering from an addiction, it is important to remember that there is help. It is important to get information, and talk to someone if you want to change your habits. With some determination, it is possible to make changes.
There are many signs of drug use, however, it is important not to jump to conclusions, and these signs could be the result of something else. Frequently, drug use can cause changes in mood, such as moodiness and withdrawal, or a loss of interest in old hobbies and activities. These changes can also be evident in behaviour, for instance: a decrease in marks, skipping classes, financial problems, stealing and isolation. Sometimes these problems can be evident in physical appearance. Problems such as weight loss, red eyes, a flushed appearance, difficulty sleeping or a dramatic change in clothing style may indicate a serious issue. Also, any drug related paraphernalia or items to cover up drug use can also be a sign.
There is a fine line between experimental use and problem use. Some of the factors that can lead to problem use are: starting use at a young age, regular pattern of use, family history of substance abuse, other family factors, parental attitudes, peer pressure, economic status, physical health, behaviour concerns, cultural deviation, inability to relate to others, reliance, level of satisfaction with life and living situation. These are general guidelines however, and may vary from individual to individual.
There are many reasons why someone might use drugs. Peer pressure may be one of these. Some people feel the need to fit in and be a part of something, and may resort to drugs as a result. Some may seek immediate pleasure through use. The high associated with drugs has an immediate effect, whereas negative effects may take longer to appear. It is common for adolescents to experiment in many ways, they may try drugs to satisfy their curiosity. Boredom may also be a reason. Low self esteem is common among drug users. Teens may use drugs to feel more confident and powerful. They can also be tools to escape everyday pressures or more severe problems. It is also normal for adolescents to be rebellious and use drugs as a way to rebel against figures of authority.
St. Leonard’s Community Services–Addiction and Mental Health Programs is a great place to go for more information on drug use. The first step in overcoming any problem is to get information on it. Even if you don’t think you have a problem, if addictions or substance abuse affects your life negatively in any way, it is important to get help. This can prevent future problems as well as solve existing ones and make your life, and the lives of those around you improve significantly.
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