Jean, 13, started to go down the wrong path at a young age.

After being introduced to marijuana, his behavior began to change; he became disobedient, secretive, and indifferent towards school. His wake-up call came after he and his close friend, experimenting with more powerful drugs, overdosed. Only Jean survived. “I remember waking up, and my family around me crying,” Jean says. It scared Jean and his family for what could have happened to him.

Jean began treatment at our outpatient clinic, where he is learning a new way of thinking that will improve his life skills and well-being. “I look forward to coming to the program after school. I’ve made a lot of friends who have been through similar things and that really helps.” Together, Jean and his friends share their experiences and participate in positive activities, such as visiting museums and exploring the city.

Jean’s mother Ingrid is already starting to see changes in his behavior. Jean is more focused on his schoolwork and responsible for his actions and helps out around the house when he can. She also credits the family sessions for opening a dialogue between the two of them and bringing the entire family closer together.

Jean is confident this program will help him understand the dangers of drugs and the effects they have on both him and his family, and give him the tools he needs to stay sober and live a healthy, drug-free life.