El Centro de Libertad | The Freedom Center

Addiction is a family disease. When the families of chemically dependent teenagers are involved in treatment, increases the likelihood that the youth will continue in treatment and reduce their use of drugs and alcohol.

Participation in family education classes is a required component of adolescent treatment at El Centro de Libertad. Families are required to attend a minimum of three family education classes during their child's first two months in treatment. The classes address the disease model of addiction, the family system and the impact of addiction on the family, the affects of drugs and alcohol on the brain and body chemistry, and the challenges of recovery. These two-hour classes are facilitated by our counseling staff, and are available in both our Redwood City and Half Moon Bay offices. Separate classes are offered in Spanish and English.

Please call El Centro for the meeting time.

In addition to the counselor-facilitated classes, several parents have initiated a free, drop-in parent support group. The parent support group is designed as a safe place to ask questions, vent and get support and suggestions from other parents. Topics range from setting limits, curfews, behavioral contracts, school options, dealing with anger, and drug testing to ideas for clean and sober fun. All San Mateo County parents who are experiencing stress about their children's use of drugs or alcohol are welcome to attend even if their teenagers or young adults are not in treatment at El Centro. The drop-in group meets every Monday evening from 6-7 pm at El Centro's Redwood City office, 1230 Hopkins, suite A.

Concerned parents who are wondering whether their teen's drug or alcohol use is a serious problem or "just experimenting" may want to check the questionnaire on the home page of this web site that identifies 7 warning signs that should trigger a call with a counselor.

Neither the parent education classes nor the support group is intended as a substitute for ongoing family counseling or attendance at other support groups. The classes and groups are a means of helping families stabilize during the initial months of recovery.