A dozen students have taken advantage of Government's free drug counselling service since its inception six weeks ago.

And while Bermuda Youth Counselling Services is still operating with a skeleton staff, programme manager Eudora Browne-Zuill yesterday told The Royal Gazette she was already seeing positive signs from the clients who range from 14 to 17 years of age.

"Although most were sent here (by their parents), they have opened up,'' she said. "They seem to be pretty consistent with what they are telling me. I tell them they are the only ones that can benefit from being honest.

"I'm seeing about 12 people now, two of whom I'm seeing two times a week because they are more at risk.'' Marijuana seems to be the main drug of choice with those seeking help.

Mrs. Browne-Zuill said: "They all have the belief that marijuana is good for you. And while I tell them that it may soothe them in the short term, I also make them aware of the long-term damage it does to the body, for example the liver.'' The mother of two also warns students of the consequences of possessing marijuana, including the possibility of being banned from travelling overseas.

This, she stresses, could jeopardise their chances of furthering their education.

"I find them quite responsive,'' she said of the group she has worked with for the past six weeks. "I remain non-judgmental.'' "When they first came here some were very distrustful,'' she recalled. "But after some 15 minutes they were okay with me. So it appears to be working.

I've also had positive feedback from parents and teachers who have already noticed a difference in their behaviour.'' And while some had suffered relapses, Mrs. Browne-Zuill said at such times it was crucial that parents provided support at home.

"Of the 12 students I'm seeing everyone of them has an issue that is family related,'' she noted. "This reiterates that you cannot look at a individual alone. You need to look at the social aspect of the person's life, including the home and the community.'' Teens attend counselling service This, Mrs. Browne-Zuill explained, was why she was seeking a therapist with a strong background in family series theories.

"Because a lot of the stuff that I'm coming across is directly related to family issues.'' With just herself and a secretary at the agency, Mrs. Browne-Zuill said there were plans to bring another therapist on board as soon as possible.

An advertisement for that post will appear in Friday's paper.

Mrs. Browne-Zuill said she also hoped the agency -- temporarily housed in the Salvation Army Citadel on North Street, Pembroke -- will have a permanent home before the summer.

"It would be most beneficial if we are permanently located by end of May or early June,'' she said.

At the agency, students are interviewed and a comprehensive treatment plan is designed for each individual. Parents are also encouraged to participate in designing the assistance plan.

While targetting school students, the programme is also available to everyone between the ages of ten and 24.

After the initial six weeks, youngsters are invited to return to the agency on a bi-monthly basis for about six months.

GOVERNMENT GVT