Start Talking

In recognition of April as Alcohol Awareness Month, Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers and the Geauga County YMCA  are proud to present Start Talking on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at the Geauga YMCA located at 12460 Bass Lake Rd., Chardon OH 44024. Start Talking is the State of Ohio’s effort in providing education and information to parents and teachers about how to initiate conversations with youth about drugs and alcohol. Having regular conversations with children is an effective tool to prevent drug use.

Mary-Alice Bell, OCPC, Ravenwood Health Center and Matt Petersen, OCPS, Prevention Specialist at Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers will discuss how to speak to children about underage drinking. The discussion will help parents know when to begin a conversation with children and identify tools and other valuable resources available to parents. In addition there will be family-friendly activities geared around having this very important conversation about drugs and alcohol.

“Research has shown that nearly 80% of high school teens have tried alcohol. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) youth who start drinking before the age of 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol dependence or abuse in their lifetimes than those who begin drinking at age 21 or later.” said Melanie Blasko, President and CEO of Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers.  “Research has shown that children of parents who talk to teens about drugs are up to 50% less likely to use. This is an important program and one that every parent should attend.”

If you are interested in attending this free event please contact Matt Petersen at mpetersen@lgrc.us or call 440.205.2672.  The event is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.