Minor In Possesion Classes
The purpose of this program is to provide instruction on alcohol/drug education for those youth who have been arrested for ‘minors in possession’ or ‘minors in consumption’ of alcohol and other drugs. The Minor in Possession Classes are conducted by Partners in cooperation with the District Attorney’s Office, Mesa Co Sheriff’s Office (Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws and Law Enforcement Assistance Fund grants), local Municipal Courts and Mesa Co. Combined Courts. Over 250 juveniles participated in 2007.
The curriculum involves eight hours of class instruction, conducted in four consecutive sessions and covers the following:
• Legal implications of the offense
• Effects of alcohol/drugs on the body systems. How addiction works
• Special emphasis on damage inflicted on the brain during the crucial maturation phase. Brain scan studies confirming damaging effects on memory and learning – both short and long term
• Obvious dangers of drinking and driving as a driver or passenger. Implications of a DUI offense
• Warning signs of eventual dependency/addiction. Shows how a person can progress from casual use to alcohol dependency. Teens are four to five times more vulnerable with early usage. Evidence of alcohol and marijuana being the gateway drugs, is stressed
• Binge drinking. Dangerous elevation of the BAC with binge drinking. Warning signs of alcohol poisoning and emergency steps to be taken
• Exit papers filled out at the end of the course show that class participants leave with a better understanding of alcohol and drugs and are able to make better decisions.
“In the future I plan to make smarter decisions when it comes to things that can affect my safety. I will choose my friends more wisely and stay away from people making bad decisions.” C. S., 15 year old female
“What I learned in this class is that I am on the verge of becoming like my parents (alcoholic). But I didn’t know how I got into this class and now I know how I can differ from them. I have changed. I have stopped drinking and doing drugs. I have been doing better with my life.” U. Y. 15 year old female
“The MIP classes were helpful. I learned a lot about the dangers of alcohol and drugs. I (myself) have seen what drugs can do to people in my own family. I now know the health risks that are involved in my actions.” M.D. 17 year old male
“I enjoyed having the police officer come and speak with us and asking him questions. The classes gave a lot of good information but you can’t change anybody but yourself and no one can change unless they want to. And until you do that, there is no overcoming the addiction”. S. D. 16 year female