The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence fights the stigma and the disease of alcoholism and other drug addictions.

Discovery Group

Greater Indianapolis Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence
Indianapolis, IN

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The Indianapolis Affiliate received the 1996 NCADD Prevention & Education Commendation Award for its Discovery Group program, which organizes support groups for children between the ages of seven and thirteen who are growing up in a family affected by alcoholism or addiction to another drug.

"We can help a child find the path from fear, confusion and insecurity to optimism, understanding and self-confidence," says Leonard Harris, Executive Director. "Learning about addiction as a disease helps children realize they didn't cause the sickness and helps them learn what they can do to take care of themselves."

GICA identifies candidates for the eight-session program through schools (the Indianapolis public school system uses it in concert with existing student assistance programs), churches, mental health centers, treatment centers, private practitioners and local twelve-step groups. Some groups meet at GICA; others meet at the site where they were recruited, which makes it possible for staff counselors and social workers to serve as co-facilitators and provide follow-up services if necessary.

The support group environment makes it much easier for children who often have spent their lives hiding their feelings to open up and realize that others have similar problems. During each session they discuss a different topic, including coping techniques, addiction to alcohol and/or other drugs and how to have healthy relationships with family and friends.

Progress reports, pre- and post-testing and questionnaires completed by the children, their parents and teachers indicate that the behavior--both at home and in school--of participants in the Discovery Group program improves. The evaluation measures also show they understand addiction better and that they leave with higher self-esteem.

The Discovery Group curriculum is now available for sale to other organizations. The curriculum includes set-up information, intake and evaluation forms, parent information, comprehensive lesson plans for each session, activities for group and for family at home, worksheets, and a listing of suggested books and videos. Age appropriate supplementary materials and activities are given for two age groups; 7-10 years and 11-13 years. An abbreviated facilitator guide is also included.

(revised 12/00)

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.

244 East 58th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10022 phone: 212/269-7797   fax: 212/269-7510 email: national@ncadd.org   http://www.ncadd.org HOPE LINE: 800/NCA-CALL (24-hour Affiliate referral)