Teen Addicts Group Proposal
The issue of substance abuse among teenagers or adolescents has a prevalent issue in most communities around the globe. It is essential for approaches to dealing with the issue to be developed. In regards to this notion, it is essential to create a human service group to enable this population to live a healthy and productive life. A social mobilization group is best when forming a group.
The main aim of this group would be to bring individuals together and raise awareness of the negative effect of substance use among the teenage population and young adults. The social mobilization group will be used to educate the community as well as the affected teenagers on understanding how individuals develop substance abuse. Further, through social mobilization, the community will be able to understand how the frequent abuse of drugs influences issues linked to mental illness and other related risk factors. In addition, the social mobilization group will work closely with local community leaders, religious leaders, health care providers, and the general public to offer rehabilitation services to the victims of substance use (Desai & Falco, 2015).
A significant advantage of developing this social mobilization group is that it will allow every member of the community to participate in the elimination of substance abuse issues actively. Also, it will ensure health education and healthcare services are provided to the targeted group. In general, the social mobilization group will focus on helping teenagers and young adults meet their needs rather than focusing on altering them.
Teenagers and young adults are often in a stage of life where there are developing changes, physically, biologically, and emotionally. A significant population of the targeted group tends to be rebellious due to the changes in their bodies. As a result, they are not able to identify when they get addicted to substance usage. To effectively meet the goal of the developed social mobilization group, it is essential to develop an appropriate approach that tends to effectively fit the various personal and social needs of the individuals in the targeted group.
To modify the group structure to fit the needs of the members, we will need to incorporate different activities that interest teenagers and young adults. These activities include musical concerts, art, talent shows, and sporting activities, among others. These activities will allow the social mobilization to effectively connect with the targeted group and be able to develop approaches that will help them limit their substance abuse.
Diversity is a crucial aspect of social mobilization as it allows the social group to offer assistance to a wider audience of people within and outside the community. To ensure that the group has a culturally diverse group, various aspects have to be put in place. The group will incorporate individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Further, the social mobilization group may hold cultural events which will enable the targeted group to have an adequate understanding of the various cultural beliefs of their peers, which will allow them to embrace their differences.
Every social mobilization group tends to have specific goals that it needs to achieve. The proposed group’s primary goal is to promote awareness to facilitate the reduction of substance abuse among teenagers and young adults. However, for the proposed group to achieve its ultimate goals, several specific skills will need to be implemented (Rawson & Obert, 2013). These skills include leadership skills, teamwork skills, communication skills as well as social interaction skills.
` Communication skills involve having the ability to share and convey feelings and ideas effectively. Having excellent communication skills will allow the targeted group to open up and speak up about their issues. Teamwork skills involve having the ability to work effectively in the proposed group. These skills will ensure that the group feels like a family where everyone cooperates and assist each other in achieving their goals.
Having leadership skills means possessing the ability to direct the proposed group towards achieving their goals. This is an essential skill because it ensures that the group is headed in the right direction. Having social interaction skills will ensure that the proposed group has proper communication and interaction. Lack of this skill might lead to social awkwardness in the proposed group. Some training is needed to polish these skills in order for the proposed group to be effective.
The group is bound to encounter some significant potential problems (Desai & Falco, 2015). One of these problems is a lack of participation from the targeted group because they may feel that they are being attacked due to being substance abusers. Based on this issue, it will need the social mobilization staff to clearly define the purpose of the group and the benefits it is desired to bring to the targeted population. This will enable the targeted population to embrace the social mobilization group and its related activities appropriately.
Another issue would arise from the drug dealers and suppliers. They might start spreading false information about the group, which may deter the targeted population from fully participating. A way of dealing with this issue and others that may arise is by holding forums to engage, educate and inspire the community. The goal of this is to generate awareness, motivate action as well as keep the community focused on the issue.
A major approach that can be used to combine research and practice is the use of evidence-based research. Evidence-based research may be described as the utilization of previous research in a transparent and systematic approach to inform a new study so that the questions that may arise may be answered in a valid, accessible, and efficient manner. This approach will allow me to review various research conducted on the appropriate leadership skills, communication skills, teamwork skills, and social interaction skills are effectively implemented to achieve the ultimatum goal. Further, through evidence-based research, you may be in a better position to adequately understand various challenges that can be experienced with the group, as well as have an idea of how to resolve these challenges.
With my group’s mission to reduce the number of teenagers getting involved in drug and substance abuse, the type of members we aim to recruit are mainly teenagers in areas with a high prevalence of drug abuse and those already abusing these drugs. We aim to act as a rehabilitation center and drug use prevention center.
There are various psychological risks associated with group membership. These include revictimization of members within the group by fellow members, bullying by other members, destructive socialization techniques, harmful confrontations among group members, and invaluable leadership skills. All the risks mentioned above could cause psychological risks in any group setting. They could be prevented by using a simple risk management model. First is the identification of the psychological risks in the group, followed by an assessment of the risks identified and classification of these risks. After the assessment, measures are put in place to prevent the risks. The last step is reviewing the measures to establish their usefulness in preventing the identified psychological risks (Riskology, 2021).
Recruitment of a member into the correct group based on their beliefs and reasons is an essential aspect of group dynamics. Factors such as age, stage of recovery (in case of a rehabilitation group), beliefs, and personal reasons should be considered. A group member whose needs are not met may be referred to other groups or specialists if the group cannot provide such. For example, a group member requires extra special care that can only be provided in a healthcare setting, where a member has difficulty socializing with other group members and has unique needs (Rockville (MD).
An informed consent form aims to give a potential group member or participant in a survey the terms on which they are getting involved. It allows the participant to decide whether they want to participate or not. Apart from the informed consent from, a separate rights and responsibilities form that contains all information pertaining the group and how the individual will interact with the group and others. A person’s willingness to participate will depend on the information in the informed consent form (Nijhawan et al., 2013).
TEENAGERS REHABILITATION GROUP
Informed Consent Letter
1
TEENAGERS REHABILITATION GROUP
PRINCIPAL RECRUITER
1 PBSC Ln Lake Worth FL 33460
561-888-8888
PURPOSE OF GROUP
You are being asked to be part of a rehabilitation group. Before you decide to participate in this group, it is essential that you understand why the participation is being done and what it will involve. Please read the following information carefully. Please ask the recruiter if anything is not clear or if you need more information.
This group aims to help teenagers and young adults become free of drug and substance abuse.
GROUP PROCEDURES
The rehabilitation process will consist of eight weeks of medical, psychological, and physiological rehabilitation. A certificate is awarded at the end of the period for the skill learned.
You may decline to answer any or all questions, and you may terminate your involvement at any time if you choose.
BENEFITS
Benefits of joining this group include;
Learning new hands-on skills
Rehabilitation from substance abuse
Participation in community work
Getting to know a welcoming and social community
Page 1 of 3
Participant’s Initials: ________
TEENAGERS REHABILITATION GROUP
Informed Consent Letter
2
CONFIDENTIALITY
The group leaders will make every effort to preserve your confidentiality by keeping notes, interview transcriptions, and any other identifying participant information in a locked file cabinet in the personal possession of the group leaders and the participant.
Participant data will be kept confidential except in cases where the group leader is legally obligated to report specific incidents. These incidents include, but may not be limited to, incidents of abuse and suicide risk.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Suppose you have questions about the group or experience adverse effects due to participating in this group. In that case, you may contact the group leader, whose contact information is provided on the first page.
VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION
Your participation in this group is voluntary. If you decide to be part of this group, you will be asked to sign a consent form. After you sign the consent form, you are still free to withdraw at any time and without giving a reason. Withdrawing from this group will not affect the relationship you have, if any, with the group.
Page 2 of 3
Participant’s Initials: ________
TEENAGERS REHABILITATION GROUP
Informed Consent Letter
3
CONSENT
I have read, and I understand the provided information and have had the opportunity to ask questions. I understand that my participation is voluntary and that I am free to withdraw at any time, without giving a reason and without cost. I understand that I will be given a copy of this consent form. I voluntarily agree to be part of this group.
Participant’s signature ______________________________ Date __________
Investigator’s signature _____________________________ Date __________
Page 3 of 3
Participant’s Initials: ________
Two theoretical perspectives that can be used in the interventions in our group are functionalist and symbolic interactionist theories. The two theoretical perspectives are suitable for the group interventions following their aims and objectives. The group interventions involve the actions toward reducing substance use among teenagers. Functionalist and symbolic interactionist theories form better perspectives as they better understand the relationship between humans and society. The group aims at taking actions with necessary skills to manage the encroaching teenage drug misuse in the society.
The functionalist theory focuses on the stability and the functioning of society as a whole. Through the group interventions, it is possible to engage this theory in taking practical actions in rehabilitating teenagers. The maintenance of better standards that will bring together group aims and society’s expectations are linked to the roles in the institution (Crossman, 2020). Through the use of the learned skills, this perspective allows for the recruiting of measures towards the improvement of our rehabilitation center.
Symbolic interactionist theory, on the other hand, offers the understanding and recognition of human and nature relations by the use of communication strategies. These theories guide the actions towards our group’s alignment and purpose through enhancing our skills. First, understanding the relationship between the risks associated with psychological impacts of substance abuse and societal norms that form the nature of actions (Crossman, 2020). Drug and substance use requires a greater understanding of the societal norms and expectations to incorporate effective measures. The basics of learning and dispensing information, achieved through communication skills, is a significant intervention guided by the symbolic interactionist theory.
The impact of the two theoretical perspectives on the influence on the group’s interventions is critical. The perspectives create a more detailed understanding of the strategies that help deal with teenagers and functional takes towards achieving the desired objectives.
|
GROUP ANNOUNCEMENT
CLOSED GROUP MEMBERSHIP “The way to personal success is to be willing to help someone else attain it first.” Date: 8/7/2022 Time: 11am Location: Classroom We are looking forward to enrolling more member in our closed group. Willing participants should have: • Good communication skills • Be self-disciplined • Be competent • Be influential power Let us seek to finding the best suits to our proposed team. |
Planning to have a closed group is more beneficial than having an open group. According to Corey et al. (2018), a potential disadvantage of open groups is that rapid changing of members can result in a lack of cohesion, particularly if too many clients leave or too many new ones are introduced at once. The reason for opting to have a closed group is because all members can start and move simultaneously, and it allows all members to have unity in progression.
Yes, it is essential to have a co-leader. A co-leader helps share the leader’s duties of the leader thus effectively executing the group’s duties. With a co-leader, group members will have better chances to reach out to the co-leader when the leader is held up or is busy with some tasks. A co-leader also helps enhance the decision-making process as two leaders are more effective than one.
When choosing group members, it is essential to consider factors such as the ability to communicate, self-disciplined, competent members, and influential individuals. With this criterion in member selection, one is able to come up with the group for excellency. Members who easily communicate are easier to manage as there will be easy passing of messages and information. They will be able to communicate when concerns arise. Self-disciplined members will ensure that all group regulations are observed and respected. Competent members allow for the functionality and success of the group. Influential members will pose challenges in encouraging other members to execute their tasks to excellence. A screening tool is used to identify illness at early stages for adequate treatment. A screening tool that can be used to determine participants who should be in a group includes a set of screening questions that will identify the qualified participants and eliminate those not eligible. According to Corey et al. (2018), in the initial stage, we begin by asking group members to identify their fears and begin to explore them. For instance, screening questions should be directed to the impacts and solutions to substance use among adolescents in a group dealing with substance use among adolescents.
Screening tool for group members
For each of the questions below circle the response that best describes how you feel about the statement. Given 1- strongly Disagree, 2-Disagree, 3- Neither Agree or Disagree, 4- Agree and 5- strongly Agree
| strongly Disagree | Disagree | Neither Agree or Disagree | Agree | strongly Agree | |
| Groups make me nervous | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Groupwork is something I will never support | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| I will do best in groupwork than individual work | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Groupwork enhances communication and self-discipline | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Groups with more than 10 members are ineffective | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Uncertain about expectations or the workings of the group, most members may have questions about the group, its expectations, and even the appropriateness of behavior during the forming stage of a group. During this initial stage of any group, it is important to provide some homework to group members as it will enable them to get to know one another and provide insights into each participant’s strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and interests. Moreover, homework would be equally important as it would test the boundaries and expectations of the tasks each individual would be assigned to perform. Furthermore, homework during the forming stage would facilitate the introductions of each member besides highlighting background, thus knowing each other well.
Since the forming stage is when members get to know and understand each other well besides creating positive relationships, some types of homework may be more valuable than others. In this regard, some of the homework that may prove more valuable are the ones involved in applying soft skills such as emotional intelligence, openness to feedback, team-playing attitude, work ethic, and growth mindset, among others. Such homework would provide insights into each participant’s strengths and weaknesses, enabling the assigning of the best suiting role to each member.
Every group has its own rules, expectations, and norms for how things should be done. These expectations have an impact on how group members communicate with one another. Group expectations provide the group with a roadmap that can be used to reinforce positive actions while also serving as a point of reference if a conflict arises (Exploring Your Mind, 2018). Furthermore, a team can go forward motivated and inspired to follow group beliefs if they have clear group expectations.
Being a social mobilization group aimed at educating the community to create awareness on the issue of substance use, it must have group expectations agreed upon by all members for the efficient functioning of the group.
Group Expectations
- Respecting each other and being courteous and sensitive to everyone’s concerns and needs. This would foster unity and respect for every member and the society at large.
- Fostering accountability for one’s work and working safely together. This would allow each member to be responsible and answerable to their actions in the group and in the community.
- Adopting willingness to help one another instead of showing the “it is not my job” attitude. With these expectations, the group would function effectively.
- To collectively mobilize a large part of the target population, creating awareness and changing their perspectives on substance use.
Confrontation should be seen as a tool to enable my team associates to be more open and honest about their own feelings and self-assessment. It’s all about having an in-depth chat with the other person. Don’t be biased while asking inquiries. Allow them to air their grievances. What is going on and why may be found out by asking the correct questions. You may come to see that what they did was really logical. They may come to understand that what they did was utterly improper and apologize profusely and ask for your pardon.
An important goal of confrontation is to develop deeper connections with people. It may also be a tool for persuading a customer to consider a different point of view. Confrontation can be a powerful tool if used correctly. For members and leaders to confront constructively, one of the most important rules to follow is to understand why they are confronting in the first place. Confrontation is a method for getting a person to see things from a different viewpoint and establish a more real connection with them (Priddy, 2019). Another rule of thumb is to remain cool. Don’t lose sight of what you want to accomplish. A manipulator’s goal is to make you lose concentration and move your gaze away from them. Do not get into a debate over what you want to see happen. If the person being confronted concurs, then that’s acceptable. “You try it your way, I’ll try it my way” is a good response if the person you’re confronting disagrees.
In recent years, much research has been conducted on group cohesion. This work has generated several findings with implications for group practice cohesion, self-disclosure, and feedback. One finding for practice cohesion is that group cohesion is associated with improved group performance and satisfaction. Several studies have demonstrated that groups with high levels of cohesion tend to outperform groups with low levels of cohesion on various task-related. Furthermore, groups with high levels of cohesion tend to be more satisfied with their group experience than groups with low levels of cohesion. These findings suggest that group cohesion is an important factor to consider in any group context, as it can potentially impact the group’s performance and the individual members’ satisfaction.
Measuring Cohesion and Self-Disclosure in Psychotherapy Groups for Patients with Advanced Cancer discusses research on the psychometric properties of the Group Therapy Experience Scale, which is used to measure cohesion and self-disclosure in psychotherapy groups for patients with advanced cancer (Marziliano et al., 2018). The study found that the scale has good reliability and validity and can be used to measure cohesion and self-disclosure in these groups effectively. The study provides valuable insights into cohesion and self-disclosure in psychotherapy groups for patients with advanced cancer. It highlights the importance of using a reliable and valid measure to assess these variables.
The impact of group cohesion on key success measures in Higher Education discusses research studies on group cohesion, feedback, and self-disclosure and their impact on key success measures in higher education (Thornton et al., 2019). The studies found that group cohesion positively impacts student retention, grade point average, and satisfaction with their college experience. Furthermore, the studies found that feedback and self-disclosure are important factors in creating cohesive groups.
Using evaluation forms is an excellent method to get meaningful input and discover areas of development. Evaluations come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they always aim to expose the same facts. When it comes to drug abuse, this is the most important question. According to Corey et al. (2018), evaluation is an ongoing process throughout the life of a group – or at least at important turning points in the group – that tracks the progress of individual members and the group as a whole.
Evaluation Form for Teen Addicts Group
Your name ____________________________________________________
Write the name of each of your group members in a separate column. For each person, indicate the extent to which you agree with the statement on the left, using a scale of 1-4 (1=strongly disagree; 2=disagree; 3=agree; 4=strongly agree). Total the numbers in each column.
| Evaluation Criteria | 1 = Strongly Disagree
|
2 = Disagree | 3 = Agree | 4 = Strongly Agree |
| Attends group meetings regularly and arrives on time.
|
||||
| Contributes meaningfully to group discussions.
|
||||
| Completes group assignments on time.
|
||||
| Prepares work in a quality manner.
|
||||
| Demonstrates a cooperative and supportive attitude.
|
||||
| Contributes significantly to the success of the program.
|
||||
| TOTALS |
|
Feedback on team dynamics:
- How effectively did your group work?
- Were the behaviors of any of your team members particularly valuable or detrimental to the team? Explain.
- What did you learn about working in a group from this project that you will carry into your next group experience?
The purpose of a minor consent form is to inform the parent or guardian of all that is relevant before they allow the child take part in something that the minor is deemed not to have the mental capacity to understand its benefits or side effects.
Consent Form
I, ______________, give permission for my child, _______________ to participate in Teen Addicts Group. The study has been explained to me and my questions answered to my satisfaction. I understand that my child’s right to withdraw from participating or refuse to participate will be respected and that his/her responses and identity will be kept confidential. I give this consent voluntarily.
Parent/Guardian
_________________________________ _______________________
Signature Date
_________________________________ _______________________
Signature Date
Consent letter
Address
Date
Dear (Parent)
I would like to take this opportunity to identify myself as Ms., a Family and Marriage Therapist. I am conducting a detailed study relating to the development phases of children under the age of sixteen years. The study shall involve the use of electromagnetic pulse to gauge the brain activity of our participants. The equipment that we shall use are certified as safe to use and the participants shall be constantly monitored by our competent staff. I seek your permission to include your child as one of 8 participants. Kindly go through our attached consent form for your perusal and authorization.
Regards,
Ms.
A follow-up survey enables one to learn more concerning the previous answers or the information gathered. Revealing the real thoughts and feelings of the teenagers and young adults when answering the earlier questions on substances. Follow-up questions help to build on the flow of the previous conversation leading to specific statements and responses that gives an extra information than what was initially collected. Through this, the researcher can notice the changes and similarities between the first and the follow-up surveys. It gives the researcher complete knowledge of substance abuse’s impact, its impacts, and the countermeasures that can be used to deal with the issue. Thus, a follow-up survey plays a critical role in getting more information that was not collected during the actual survey to clarify the points that were missed.
Below is a follow-up survey for substance abuse among teenagers and adolescents.
- When did you last use the drug?
- Where did you get the drug from?
- How did you feel after using the drug?
- What are the positive and negative impact experienced after using the drug?
References
Atlassian. (n.d.). The surprising benefits of Co-leadership | The Workstream. https://www.atlassian.com/work-management/team-management-and-leadership/decision-making/co-leadership
Corey, M. S., Corey, G., & Corey, C. (2018). Groups: Process and practice
Crossman, A. (2020, January 22). Understanding Theoretical Perspective and How Sociologists Use It. ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/theoretical-perspectives-3026716#:~:text=A%20theoretical%20perspective%20is%20a
Desai, A., & Falco, F. J. (2015). Substance abuse recovery groups. Substance Abuse, 331-336. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1951-2_25
Exploring Your Mind. (2018, May 8). Why Do We Have Group Norms? Exploring Your Mind. https://exploringyourmind.com/why-do-we-have-group-norms/
Facing addiction in America: The surgeon general’s report on alcohol, drugs and health. (2016). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK424859/
Lokesh P. Nijhawan, Manthan D. Janodia, B. S. Muddukrishna, K. M. Bhat, K. L. Bairy, N. Udupa, & Prashant B. Musmade. (2013). Informed consent: Issues and challenges. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3777303/
Marziliano, A., Pessin, H., Rosenfeld, B., & Breitbart, W. (2018). Measuring cohesion and self-disclosure in psychotherapy groups for patients with advanced cancer: An analysis of the psychometric properties of the group therapy experience scale. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 68(3), 407–427. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207284.2018.1435284
Priddy, M. M. (2019). Confrontation: Survival Strategies. Critical Care Nursing Quarterly, 42(3), 285-291
Rawson, R. A., & Obert, J. L. (2013). Relapse prevention groups in outpatient substance abuse treatment. The Group Therapy of Substance Abuse, 121-138. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781439807125-7
Rios, K., & Mackey, C. D. (2020). Group cohesion. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190236557.013.742
Riskology. (2021, November 3). How to manage psychological risk in your workplace. Risk Management Software | RiskWare. https://www.riskware.com.au/risk-management-blog/how-to-manage-psychological-risk-in-your-workplace
Rockville (MD). (n.d.). 3 criteria for the placement of clients in groups – Substance abuse treatment: Group therapy – NCBI bookshelf. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64215/
Thornton, C., Miller, P., & Perry, K. (2019). The impact of group cohesion on key success measures in Higher Education. Journal of Further and Higher Education, 44(4), 542–553. https://doi.org/10.1080/0309877x.2019.1594727
