A program on the Fort Belknap Reservation is working to address a serious issue.
The Chemical Dependency Center is working to treat and prevent substance abuse.
Dean Doney Jr. the Youth Prevention Specialist at the Chemical Dependency Center explains some of the ways that he reaches the youth to prevent substance use as well as his overall goals.
“We do monthly video game tournaments, movie days at the local high school in Harlem, as well as going to the local schools with national Drug and Alcohol Facts Week. We’re trying to change the social norms of this community, that’s the biggest thing right there. A lot of our young people have this mindset that it’s normal, marijuana now in days is normal, alcohol is normal, and we want to change that. We want to come in and tell them, look just because somebody agrees with this, or the society today agrees with this or that doesn’t make it right.”-Dean Doney Jr.
Dean continues to explain the changes he’s noticed regarding substance abuse in his community.
“I think the biggest change is, especially in this local community, it’s easier access. It’s like it’s happening more and more now days. I feel like if we don’t get a handle on it, sooner or later there’s not going to be any way to stop it at all. I try to be positive and say that we still have a chance, while there is still breathe in our lungs, we still have an opportunity to make a difference, but we got to act now.” -Dean Doney Jr.
