NCJ Number
196432
Journal
Corrections Today Magazine Volume: 64 Issue: 5 Dated: August 2002 Pages: 84-87,112
Date Published
August 2002
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes an Arizona program entitled, "Road to Recovery," a licensed, gender-responsive alcohol and other drug abuse/dependence education and treatment program for adult female DUI (driving under the influence) inmates.
Abstract
The Road to Recovery program model addresses four areas that recovering women have identified as most critical to recovery and the prevention of relapse: self, relationships, sexuality, and spirituality. Because of the multiple and unique factors involved in substance abuse by females, the Road to Recovery uses gender-responsive interventions that impact women on three levels: the affective level, in which female substance abusers learn to express their feelings appropriately and to contain them in healthy ways through self-soothing techniques; the cognitive level, which helps correct the women's misperceptions and distorted thinking; and the behavioral level, in which women must make changes in their drinking and/or drug-use behaviors. The confrontational approach traditionally used in therapeutic communities has not proved effective with women. Women require respect, mutuality, empathy, compassion, and empowerment. An emphasis on assets and strengths, rather than tearing down the ego has proved most effective with women. Program components involve comprehensive assessment, DUI education, and treatment. At the heart of the aftercare model is case management, which is primarily a collaborative-helping relationship that involves a trained professional, a client, and her family. 8 references