SOCIAL HEALTH

Healthy peer interaction and becoming comfortable with oneself in social situations are important factors in achieving and maintaining sobriety. At ECHO we are committed to providing opportunities for participants to build strong skills. All activities are therapeutic in nature, with trained staff guiding youth as they participate in groups, community activities, outings and other events. Our goal is to prepare youth to feel comfortable with themselves in social situations, so that they do not resort to using drugs or alcohol to cope with or relate to others.

The Twelve Steps - One helpful option as we strive toward greater Social Health can be found in the 12 step community. ECHO incorporates the components of the 12 steps throughout it's treatment program. The self-help aspects of the 12 steps are utilized to assist clients in developing internal motivation for sobriety and to develop new behaviors. 12 step support groups offer the kind of environment that encourage youth to share their experience, strength and hope with others. The 12 step community can prove invaluable as a support system long after participants have left treatment. ECHO also utilizes step work as one component of it's curriculum as well as local youth 12-step community meetings and panels.

Social Skills Training Curriculum - As a didactic training tool, ECHO utilizes social skills curriculum designed specifically for youth. Educational and experiential sessions are conducted regularly as part of the treatment program and cover such topics as:

• Learning How to Receive Criticism
• Self-Relaxation Techniques
• Social Problem Solving Skills
• Drug Refusal Skills
• How to Disclose Feelings
• How to Handle Embarrassing Situations
• Avoiding Fights and Solving Arguments
• Conversation Skills
• Learning New Reactions to Anger
• Making Requests and Refusals
• How to Make Clear Goal Statements
• And others…..

All of these topic discussions are designed specifically to address situations and experiences that research has shown to be related to relapse in young people. By preventatively addressing these issues before our youth experience these situations in the real world, we significantly decrease their likelihood of relapse.