Q: I am a student at a school with an AFM counsellor and I have some worries about my use of alcohol or drugs. How do I access your services? >
A: You can arrange a confidential meeting by contacting the AFM counsellor in your school. If you are not sure how to do that you can ask your guidance counsellor. The AFM counsellor will explain the available services and work with you to decide on what is best for you.
Q: I’m worried that my child might be getting into trouble with drugs. What should I do? >
A: The AFM counsellor in your child’s school would be happy to talk with you on a confidential basis. They can provide information on alcohol and drugs and they can assist you in developing an appropriate intervention strategy.
Q: I’m a student in a school where there is an AFM counsellor. My best friend has changed a lot lately and seems to have lost interest in things we used to do since he/she started smoking pot. Is there anything I can do? >
A: This is a tough spot to be in. You can contact the AFM counsellor in your school to talk about your concerns. It’s up to you whether or not you want to tell the counsellor your friend’s name. The counsellor can help you think through the issues and provide you with information to help you make the right decision for you and your friend.
Q: Lately I have been worrying a lot about dad/mom because he/she has been drinking a lot. Sometimes I even think I am responsible for him/her drinking so much. Is the AFM counsellor able to talk to me without my parents knowing? >
A: You are not responsible for your parents drinking, but the feelings you are experiencing are very common for young people who are growing up in a home affected by alcohol, drugs and problem gambling. It is very important to have a place where you can talk openly and get support. AFM counsellors can provide that. It is not necessary for your family to be aware of your involvement with an AFM school based counsellor. To learn more about alcohol, drugs or gambling problems and how to take care of yourself, contact your local AFM counsellor at your school.
Q: How do I know if there’s a problem? >
A: If you think you or someone you care about may have a problem with alcohol or drugs then complete the following short questionnaire.
- Has he/she ever felt the need to cut down on his/her drinking or drug taking?
- Have others annoyed him/her by criticizing his/her drinking or drug taking?
- Has he/she ever felt guilty about his/her drinking or drug taking?
- Has he/she ever had a drink, or taken drugs first thing in the morning to steady his/her nerves or to get rid of a hangover?
One yes answer suggests a possible alcohol or drug problem. More than one yes answer means it is highly likely that a problem exists.
If you think that you or some one you care about may have a problem because of their gambling then complete this questionnaire.
- In the past year, have there been days when you gambled more than you intended?
- In the past year, have there been days when you tried to make up for earlier losses by gambling more or by going back the next day?
- In the past year, have there been days when you tried to hide how much you lost gambling?
- In the past year, have there been days when you had troubles due to your gambling? (For example, you were unable to pay bills, argued with others, or missed time at work/school).
- In the past year, have you had recurring problems due to your gambling? (For example, you were unable to get out of debt, at risk of losing your job or at risk of losing spouse or friends).
One yes answer suggests a possible gambling issue. More than one yes answer means it is highly likely that a problem exists.
Q: How do I get help? >
A: If you want help with alcohol, drugs, or gambling concerns for yourself or your family, you should meet with a counsellor who will help you decide on the service that best suits your needs. The first step is to contact AFM for an intake/assessment appointment.
Q: Do I have to live in-house? >
A: The AFM offers a wide range of services based on individual client need and availability. Through the intake and assessment process, a counsellor will explain what services are available and together you and your counsellor will determine which treatment program is best suited for your needs.
Services may be either community based or in-house based as decided through assessment and client goals. It is AFM’s policy to offer the least intrusive service that addresses the issue, based on need.
Q: What if I just want more information? >
A: AFM staff can provide a great deal of information on programs and resources in your community. Contact your local AFM office. AFM’s William Potoroka Memorial Library offers comprehensive, up-to-date and reliable information on issues, trends and research in the addictions field. We also offer a variety of educational courses and workshops.
Q: What is available to me after I complete a program? >
A: After completing a program with the AFM, you are provided with a variety of resources and services. Continuing Care is a program that includes one-to-one counseling and/or group sessions. Continuing Care helps you to follow through on your treatment plans and in meeting your short and long-term goals. Ongoing support is available if you are returning to a remote community where AFM or other services are not available. You may choose to go to further programming outside the AFM. Long-term treatment facilities and transition housing provide safe and structured environments and may be arranged while you are in an AFM program.
Q: What are Drug Treatment Courts? >
A: Drug Treatment Courts (DTC) are special courts that divert drug-addicted offenders away from incarceration and towards an extensive supervision and treatment program that involves the judiciary, addiction service providers and community agencies.