NorthStar Center

NorthStar gives 17.5 to 24 year olds the opportunity to transform their lives. NorthStar's recovery, responsibility and recreation programs challenge students to think for themselves. Graduates know who they are, what they stand for and where they are going. They become successful, healthy and active adults. Learn more about NorthStar Residential Treatment Center today

Home for the Holidays

"There's no place like home for the holidays," claims a popular Christmas carol. But too often, being home for the holidays places a troubled teen at risk for contact with people and places that may lead her to abuse alcohol or drugs. What to do to help your teen stay sober and drug free when home on holiday breaks?

Discuss in advance the people, places or things that may lead her to abuse alcohol or drugs. Have her make a list of those people she knows and places she can be to have fun without as much temptation to slide into old habits.

If he does find himself in a situation where others are drinking, encourage him to leave the gathering if people try to get him to drink. Those that try to get him in trouble aren't good friends.

Invite her friends over for fun without drinking or drugs involved. They can dance, play party games, board games or video games. Serve sparkling water and her favorite snacks.

Help him make a plan to stay busy. Some ideas are eating out, playing indoor putt-putt or other sports, skiing, going to a movie.

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