SFCS Announces Education and Prevention Program for Teens Ages 13-16

Many Scarsdale teens are using substances to self-medicate or rid themselves of symptoms of anxiety, depression, and fears about their future. In fact, Scarsdale High School sophomores account for 13% of regular E-cigarette users; 36% of regular alcohol users and 18.5% of THC users. Admittedly, not all adolescent use of substances constitutes a Use Disorder, however equally true is that not all adolescent use should be considered “normal experimentation.” That is why SFCS and Scarsdale Action for Youth have launched RESET.

RESET is a program of prevention education and early intervention designed for Scarsdale youth ages 13-16 who have become “substance involved” with nicotine, alcohol, and/or THC. RESET aims to intervene with youth during a critical developmental window following the discovery of a teen’s repeated use, yet before their brain becomes primed to repeat substance use as a habitual method of coping with distressing emotions or experiences. RESET is designed to halt the escalation of use among youth and to assist those youth consider establishing a goal of abstinence through education, cognitive behavioral interventions, and skill development. The program is being offered at no cost thanks to the Scarsdale Action for Youth.

RESET is not for everyone. However professional intervention should be considered for teens who have been unresponsive to parental intervention and or disciplinary consequences. RESET will be offered, administrated, and staffed by Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service. Referrals will be accepted by parents, school administrators, guidance and mental health staff and the Scarsdale Youth Officer. Admittance to the program requires parental consent.

RESET is a confidential, voluntary intervention program utilizing a group treatment modality. Groups will be offered in the Spring, Fall and Winter and the program will be facilitated by Samantha Swanko, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor II. The Spring program is slated to begin on April 11, 2023. Individual intakes will begin four weeks prior to the start date.

There is no shame in asking for help. SFCS and Scarsdale Action for Youth would like to help RESET a child’s chance for a healthy future and we hope you might consider referring youth who meet the criteria above. For more information about RESET, please contact Jay Genova, LCSW at 914-723-3281.