Eudora Browne-Zuill, programme director of The Bermuda Youth Counselling Services, (BYCS) helps Bermuda's addicted youth ages 11 to 24. During the past year she has seen 94 teenagers. She may hold one of the most important jobs on the Island.

Mrs. Browne-Zuill said: "The biggest addiction is marijuana and 62 percent say that is their drug of choice! Marijuana and alcohol comprise another 27 percent. Just alcohol is eight percent which leaves one percent for cocaine, one percent for cigarettes, and one percent for a combo of marijuana, alcohol and cocaine.'' The mission of The Bermuda Youth Counselling Services is delivering confidential quality outpatient counselling services designed specifically to meet the needs of high risk youth experimenting with or abusing alcohol and other drugs.

The director say the reasons for drug use are varied therefore while prevention works drugs prevention is a shared responsibility.

Adolescents may use drugs to satisfy their curiosity, conform to peer-pressure or to relieve anxiety. Whatever tempts them, our youth must be taught to reject drugs because its use is illegal, harmful to health, and interferes with academic and social development.

"Drug information programmes, while important, can not stand-alone as deterrents to drug use. Because adolescent alcohol and other drug usage continues to be a major problem in Bermuda the whole community needs to become involved,'' advised Mrs. Browne-Zuill.

As a part of the drug treatment network in Bermuda, BYCS, an outpatient treatment facility, offers assistance to those adolescents who are experimenting with or abusing alcohol and other drugs.

The programme has a caring professional staff who offer special skills in helping Bermuda's youth and their families understand the physical, spiritual, mental and emotional problems caused by substance use and abuse.

"Treatment is provided in an atmosphere that sets specific expectations and limits that promote and reward the heal theirs aspects of the adolescents' behaviour and permits personal growth,'' the director said.

Open communication between clients, staff and family members is encouraged.

Some of the services provided are assessments, treatment planning, referrals, individual counselling, and group counselling in addition to an after care programme.

BYCS supports a safe, healthy, drug free environment for our youth and families held in strict confidence. When drinking, drug use and related behavioural problems affect you please call them at 296-7548.

DRUGS DGS