Have You Ever Been...

• Embarrassed after a night of partying?
• Forgotten parts of parties?
• Been questioned by the police, parents, friends, teachers about your use?
• Been absent from school because of drugs/alcohol?
• Used drugs/drank more than you thought you ever would?
• Stolen money, booze or drugs from someone ?

If you answered

YES

to any of these questions...

TALK TO A
YOUTH COUNSELLOR

Our Centre offers a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL counselling service to the youth of Perth County. A youth worker goes into each high school to counsel young people around issues related to substance use, either their own use or the use of someone they care about.

We realize that sometimes it is not easy to control your use of drugs and alcohol. We respect your ideas and opinions. We focus on helping you meet your goals, not forcing you to quit if that’s not what you want. We can usually see you for an appointment within one week after contacting us.

We realize that many problems in your life may lead to drug and /or alcohol use.

Drug and alcohol use can cause:

• problems at school
• trouble at home
• arguments/loss of friends
• difficulty at work
• legal trouble
• emotional health issues

We can help with all of these issues too!

Risky Business...

Most young people don’t feel that they are gamblers, but most have been gambling for years. Researchers at Montreal’s McGill University found that more than half of kids aged 10 to 17 are casual or recreational gamblers. While adults tend to gamble in places like bingo halls, casinos, and race tracks, younger people usually gamble casually with friends or with family. Playing cards or video games for money, buying raffle tickets, betting on who is going to win the next game, or who will be the next one kicked off the island - it’s all gambling.

As with adults, for most young people gambling is fun and occasional gambling should not necessarily be considered to be problematic. Unfortunately though, for some young people gambling becomes a serious problem. Researchers have found that the rate of problem gambling for youth is between two to five times the rate of problem gambling among adults. Problem gambling can have serious effects on a young person’s feelings of self and their relationships with friends and family. Falling behind at school or at work often occurs. Problems may not develop right away, but may take time to occur. Most adult problem gamblers report that they began gambling at around age ten - usually with family or with trusted family friends.

To keep gambling fun, the same guidelines suggested by the Responsible Gambling Council should be followed (see Gambling Services).

If you are worried about your own gambling, the gambling of friends, or others in your family, free and confidential help is available at our Centre.

Where to Find Us?

We work in all of the high schools in Perth County. Ask any school staff that you trust, or you can make an appointment through student services.

If you can’t meet us at school, not a problem...we can make an appointment for you at our office.

A youth worker will be at the following schools on these days:

MONDAY: TUESDAY: WEDNESDAY: THURSDAY:

Northwestern Secondary School & St. Mike’s Catholic School Central Secondary School & COPE Program Listowel District Secondary School & St. Marys DCVI Mitchell District Secondary School

Worried About Someone Else?

• Are you living with someone who drinks, uses drugs or gambles?
• Do you think that someone you care about is using too much?
• Is someone’s drinking/drug use or gambling affecting your life?

  Feel free to come and talk to us, call us, or e-mail us about any of your concerns.
  

What Youth Are Saying About Us:

“I didn’t want to come at first but now I know it really helped me”

“I like coming here. You’re never judged and you can tell them anything. I’m glad I came here because even though I still have problems to work on, I’m dealing with things a lot better”.

“. . . helped me see what I really want to do with my life”.

“I felt that I could talk . . . about some things that were very important and personal. I feel much better about myself now and I’m doing better in school”.