A few come on their own or because their parents asked Piedmont for help. On Monday evenings, teens meet by themselves and report their last drug use, Hales said. They talk about triggers, or what makes them turn to drugs. Certain things that make you feel like you need to use, she said. It could be anger, sadness or stress.
People use drugs to make themselves feel better and alter reality.
Hales and Amos teach teens to recognize their triggers and overcome them. We help them find different coping skills, she said. If a teen gets drunk because she can t deal with stress, they teach her stress management skills. If a teen gets high because his emotions are bottled up, they teach him how to express his feelings. Kids are reluctant to come at first, because no one wants to admit they have a problem, Hales said.