These no-fee programs underscore the Van Ost Institute's conviction that whenever possible the most effective focus in the treatment and prevention of chemical dependency is the whole family. Statistics show that lasting recovery for the addicted person is far more probable when the family becomes involved. In addition, family members themselves are often as much in need of professional help as the substance abuser--they have been emotionally scarred by the effects of alcohol and other drug abuse on family life.

Lack of insurance coverage for family members other than the alcoholic/addict, however, means that the family is usually left out of the treatment picture. For this reason, Kids Count, Teens Count, Seniors Count, and the ICDR Lecture Series, underwritten by Foundational grants and private donations and provided free of charge to our patients, are truly unique in enabling the entire family to receive the best in treatment services - and the best chance for lasting recovery for all.

Kids Count is for children ages 6 to 12 with at least one parent in treatment at the institute. Kids Count provides a safe place for youngsters to learn how alcohol and other drugs have affected them and their families. In the group, children learn about setting goals, making choices, identifying feelings, defenses, chemical dependency and families. The information will be presented through games , discussions, poetry, music, art, and films. Self esteem trust and hope grow as children learn they can talk about the family "secret" with others in their groups. Twelve week sessions, 1-1 1/2 hours each week, may be repeated if needed. Kids count is funded by the Lillian Pitkin Schenck Funds.

Teens Count is for adolescents age 13 to 17 who are non-addicted yet from a family where addiction is present. Often neglected while the focus is on the alcoholic/addict, these older children flourishes in support groups there they can receive assistance and support. In group, the teens will be learning about setting goals, making choices, identifying feelings, defenses, chemical dependency and families. The information will be presented through games, discussions, role play, art and films. Teens Count provides a safe place for vulnerable adolescents to share with others who understand their problems. Twelve week sessions, 1-1 /1/2 hours each week, may be repeated if needed. Teens Count is funded by the Lillian Pitkin Schenck Fund.

Seniors Count is for the older person with an alcohol or drug problem, his or her spouse, as well as for any older parent or grandparent affected by a family member's alcohol or drug problem. As the first program of its kind in Bergen County, Seniors Count provides a much needed service to those over 60 years old. On-going educative and support groups, 1-1/2 hours each week. Seniors Count was launched by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and MONY Foundation (Mutual of New York).

"Addiction and Recovery 101" Lecture Series meets every Wednesday night at the Institute for one and a half hours. Psycho educational in format, this series covers several of the major addiction related topics such as the disease concept, co-dependency, and adolescents and addiction. This series is approved for CAC credits and is open to patients, their families and the general public, free of charge.