As the academic year commences, the excitement of going back to school is accompanied by concerns about college alcohol consumption and the risk of student overdoses. Substance abuse remains a pressing issue on campuses, impacting the physical and mental well-being of students.
Cenikor, one of the largest nonprofit behavioral health networks in the country, hopes to mitigate these challenges for young adults within the Hays and Caldwell counties.
A Call to Action
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of teenage drug overdose fatalities nearly doubled from 2019 to 2020, and the tragic toll continued to rise during the pandemic. This surge is a clarion call for urgent action to address the underlying causes and implement effective strategies to save young lives.
Cenikor believes early intervention strategies are critical in promoting a safe and healthy environment for young adults. Their mission extends to empowering college students with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the challenges they may encounter on campus.
Last year, Cenikor’s Prevention and Project AIM teams served over 54,000 adolescents and adults in Texas. These programs are provided in part by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Through their comprehensive approach, Cenikor aims to empower young adults to make responsible decisions and build a strong foundation for a successful college journey with:
Cenikor’s Community Awareness, Intervention, and Mobilization Project (Project AIM)
Project AIM is a free non-judgmental, non-confrontational program for young adults ages 18 and up to make positive lifestyle changes. The goal of Project AIM is to reduce the progression of substance use and misuse while strengthening prevention capacity at the community level.
The program serves individuals in Hays and Caldwell Counties. Participants receive education and information to make healthier choices, gain insight, and increase coping and resiliency skills.
Motivational Assessment and Guidance
This targeted and evidence-based approach helps individuals with substance use disorders resolve mixed feelings and make positive changes. These one-on-one sessions aim to reduce risky behaviors, promote responsible alcohol consumption, and prevent or reduce substance-related consequences.
It has been proven that only two sessions are enough to make noticeable lifestyle change choices, and participants can receive up to $30 in gift cards. Students can sign up at 1901 Dutton Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666.
Community Events
Fun in sobriety is an essential aspect of recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) that emphasizes the enjoyment of life without the need for drugs or alcohol. It involves finding alternative ways to have fun, engage in social activities, and experience joy without relying on substances.
Cenikor’s Project AIM is excited to be a part of the upcoming Recovery on the Plaza, a sober concert in San Marcos on September 30, 2023, with live music, free food, and county resources. The event is organized by Outsiders Anonymous and is open to the public.
Equipping Young People for the Future
As college campuses continue to grapple with the challenges of substance abuse, Cenikor’s commitment to providing a full continuum of care offers hope and empowerment to new college students. By combining tailored prevention programs, peer support initiatives, and community awareness and events, Cenikor equips young adults with the tools needed to make informed choices and safeguard their well-being.
To find out how Project AIM can help educate the intangible skills needed to avoid the evolution of substance abuse, please contact projectaim@cenikor.org.
ABOUT CENIKOR
Cenikor is a leading nonprofit provider of comprehensive substance use disorder treatment, committed to delivering evidence-based care, promoting recovery, and supporting individuals in their journey to lasting sobriety since 1967. With a team of dedicated healthcare professionals, Cenikor offers a range of services, including detoxification, residential treatment, outpatient programs, and aftercare support. By combining clinical expertise with compassion and personalized care, Cenikor strives to empower individuals and families affected by addiction and foster sustainable recovery. More than 300,000 lives have been changed in the process.
For more information about this news release, please contact Maddie Profilet, Marketing and Media Relations Director, via email at media@cenikor.org. If you or someone you know is seeking treatment for substance use disorder, call Cenikor today at 1-888-236-4567.
Let's Do This!
