Our BETA Program focuses efforts in education and prevention of alcohol and other drug addictions in the at risk adolescent population.

Being a teen in today’s society is a difficult and challenging role. Single parent families peer pressure and the constant temptation to alter reality with unhealthy behaviors, is an ever present danger to our youth. Genetic history also plays a role in the teen’s risk of becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol. This health issue must be addressed now in order to offer our teens every opportunity to succeed in life. 

In a recent article in the San Jacinto Valley Chronicle it was stated that in a given month 38.5% of ninth grade females will consume some type of alcohol. This is a startling number that must be arrested. Alcohol and other drug consumption by our teens can be a prime factor contributing to teen pregnancy, teen delinquency and teen suicide as sited in the article. 

Recently released statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimated that more than 9 percent of the total population age 12 an older met the criteria for substance dependence or abuse. The study also concluded that Marijuana was the most widely used illicit drug and  mentioned in 18 percent of all emergency room visits that were induced or related to drug abuse in 2002 by teens.

Our agency recognizes teen alcohol and drug abuse as a challenging issue by simply recognizing the numbers of teens currently enrolled in our program and the desperate need to expand our services. 

Riverside Recovery Resources also has a strong relationship with Riverside County Department of Juvenile Probation, who regularly refer their teen probationers to our program. Riverside Recovery Resources believes we are effectively providing a treatment program to adolescents that integrates the minors scholastic program, family or home environment and substance abuse treatment and education, in a culturally sensitive environment,  as a choice for a more productive way of life. 

The program is designed to reduce or eliminate substance abuse, truancy, poor academic performance and violence among the multi-cultured, multi-problem adolescents. Many of our Beta Program referrals come from the County Juvenile Probation Department and Riverside County Continuation Schools. These adolescents have exhibited substance use or abuse, community crime or poor school attendance. They have a history of poor academic performance and are often involved in gang activity at some level. 

The program will identify and treat the needs of the adolescent and his/her family so as to provide a positive and nurturing environment for change. Educating adolescents to refuse, explain why, avoid risky situations and leave risky situations will empower them to take control of a sober, happy lifestyle. Our program feels an urgent necessity to provide each adolescent with the opportunity to enjoy empowerment, increase self-esteem and develop a personal image conducive to long term recovery. 

By incorporating all the entities of the adolescent’s daily life we will assist in the improvement of individual accomplishment. Riverside Recovery Resources recognizes the cost factor associated with providing a program to adolescents, but we are committed to this endeavor.