Daybreak Youth Services Now 15, and scheduled to graduate on time with the rest of her 9th grade class, Aliah is interested in engineering as a course of study. EWU is her college of choice. When asked how she combats her triggers for drug-use, she focuses on completing her homework, or taking her dog, that she rescued, for a walk. “Livia loves me unconditionally.” At 13, she decided to get sober. “It is a struggle to say ‘no’. I do feel left out.” Aliah says she would rather be ‘doing good, than doing bad.’ “I was way out of control. I missed a lot of school. All of my good traits faded away; I decided to get sober to get back in connection with them. “Aliah tried her first drug at age 11. Then, at 14, “I just got tired of all these druggies around me.” She felt a rush of ambition and hope, and decided to become sober, knowing that her fullest potential was not to be found in the company of those currently around her. It comes as no surprise that Aliah’s favorite coping skill, learned while in Daybreak’s outpatient relapse prevention program, is analytical in nature. WORKIT helps the individual to: (i) ask ‘What is the challenge?’ (ii) define the Options available that solve the challenge, (iii) Rank each option best to worst, (iv) Know why the top ranked option is the best, (v) Imagine step-by-step completion of the best option, and (vi) Test the best option to determine its potential for solving the challenge. WORKIT and other Daybreak skills have helped Aliah maintain her sobriety. Why Daybreak? “Daybreak seemed a lot more comforting than the other treatment choices.” When asked her long-term life-plan, Aliah states that she sees herself serving our country in the military. “The Marines seem a little too intense...probably the Army.” For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. Jeremiah 29:11-12
The Inland Northwest’s Premier Children’s Drug/Alcohol & Mental Health Counseling Service