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What happens to high schoolers caught with alcohol and/or other drugs on a Norman Public School’s campus? Students are immediately given a 45-day suspension. However, adolescents involved in alcohol and/or other drugs are often the students who struggle with grades, truancy, and may experience stress at home. In an effort to educate students and their families on substance abuse and reduce their suspension so they can return to class sooner, Norman Public Schools has partnered with NAIC-Norman Addiction Information & Counseling to offer the Alternative to Suspension Program. The Alternative to Suspension Program requires the student and a parent to attend an educational program called the Addiction Information Series. In addition to a parent, students may also bring siblings, other family members, or close friends with them. The goal of this 4-part education and discussion group is to provide education to families of those suspended students regarding the dangers of drugs, the warning signs of addiction and what they and their families can do to change for the better. Participating in the Alternative to Suspension program and attending the Addiction Information Series allows students and their families a fun learning environment and reduces suspension from 45 days to 10 days. This allows the students back into the classroom setting faster. The City of Norman provides financial support for the program through the Social and Voluntary Services Commission grant.
Community members interested in learning about substance and addiction are also welcome to come to the Addiction Information Series. This education group meets at 215 West Linn Street in Norman every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. The cost is $65 for all four sessions if paid up front or $20 per session, and as many family members can attend at no further cost. For more information or to enroll in the next group session, please call NAIC at (405) 321-0022 or visit our website at www.NAIChelp.org.
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Melissa Simpson, Employee of the Year 2015
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 Melissa Simpson joined NAIC-Norman Addiction Information & Counseling in February 2015 as the Customer Relations Manager and oversees many aspects of the daily business at NAIC. She attained her Behavioral Case Management Certification in September 2015. Since joining NAIC, Melissa has been inspired to continue her education and eventually become a Licensed Professional Counselor. She enjoys working with clients on an individual level. Melissa especially enjoys seeing the transition of clients as she is usually one of the first to see them walk through the door and watch them progress throughout their treatment.
When not in the office, she loves to try out new cooking recipes. She also likes to stay active by running, hiking, and attending dance classes. Melissa is originally from California, but moved to Norman to attend OU and fell in love with Oklahoma. She lives with her bunny named Danger, but appreciates visiting her parents and sisters in California whenever she gets the opportunity.
Melissa is grateful for the opportunity to live NAIC’s mission every day, not only while in the office but also while out in the community. Melissa was recently voted Employee of the Year by her fellow NAIC staff members.
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Thank you to NAIC's 7th Annual
Breakfast With Santa Sponsors:
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A Client's Story of Help and Hope
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NAIC provided the Lifeline program at the Joseph Harp Correctional Facility in Lexington for over 20 years. Lifeline provided a powerful substance abuse treatment program to the men serving time in the prison. Recently, a graduate of the program stopped by NAIC. He came to NAIC in hopes of finding the Lifeline Program Director to let her know the program saved his life. Since being released from prison 5 years ago, he has a successful business, is married and has his own home. He credits this program for the success he has today. Recovery works!
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