NCJ Number
58664
Journal
California Youth Authority Quarterly Volume: 32 Issue: 1 Dated: (SPRING 1979) Pages: 16-20
Date Published
1979
Length
5 pages
Annotation
A REHABILITATION PROGRAM FOR DRUG ABUSERS WAS SET UP IN A SEASIDE ESTABLISHMENT THAT WAS ONCE A MOTEL; THE PROGRAM'S ORGANIZATION AND METHODS ARE DESCRIBED.
Abstract
ORGANIZED IN 1974, THIS RESIDENCE CENTER, CALLED STRAIGHT AHEAD, HAS A CAPACITY FOR 51 PERSONS; EVERYONE WHO COMES TO THE CENTER DOES SO VOLUNTARILY. THE REHABILITATION PROGRAM LASTS 6 MONTHS AND IS DIVIDED INTO THREE STAGES. DURING THE FIRST STAGE, RESIDENTS REMAIN AT THE CENTER AROUND THE CLOCK DURING WHICH THEY ATTEND FIVE ENCOUNTER GROUPS WEEKLY, AND PARTICIPATE IN DAILY EDUCATION CLASSES AND SEMINARS, RECEIVE INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING, AND ARE IN CONTACT WITH COUNSELOR ROLE-MODELS WHO ARE FORMER ADDICTS. THIS STAGE IS DESIGNED TO INCREASE SELF-RELIANCE, SELF RESPECT, AND INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS. THE SECOND STAGE IS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING SOCIAL REINTEGRATION BY ASSIGNING CLASSES THAT STRESS JOB INTERVIEWS, PERSONAL BUDGETING AND CONSTRUCTIVE SOCIAL LIFE. RESIDENTS CONTINUE TO LIVE AT THE CENTER BUT MAY BEGIN TO GO OUT INTO THE COMMUNITY FOR JOB INTERVIEWS OR TO SEE FAMILY AND FRIENDS. RESIDENTS LEAVE STRAIGHT AHEAD DURING THE THIRD STAGE AND RETURN TO THE COMMUNITY TO WORK, GO TO SCHOOL, OR CARRY OUT OTHER ACTIVITIES THAT ARE COMPATIBLE WITH SUCCESSFUL REHABILITATION. CLIENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO RETURN AND ATTEND GROUP SESSIONS ON A 'DROP-IN' BASIS. AFTER 3 MONTHS OUTSIDE, THE FORMER STUDENTS RECEIVE A GRADUATION CERTIFICATE DENOTING COMPLETION OF THE STRAIGHT AHEAD PROGRAM. THE PROGRAM HAS BEEN A SUCCESS, ACCORDING TO CALIFORNIA STATE DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE. ITS REASONS FOR SUCCESS APPEAR TO BE ITS COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM, WHICH STRESSES SURVIVAL LIVING WITH COURSES ON FOOD, CONSUMER EDUCATION, WOMEN'S STUDIES, JOB READINESS SKILLS, AND SELF-EVALUATION; THE TOTAL THERAPEUTIC ENVIRONMENT, WHEREIN THE PARTICIPANTS SUPPORT EACH OTHER WITH A CONSTANT VIEW TOWARD KICKING DRUG DEPENDENCE AND ACHIEVING SOCIAL REINTEGRATION; AND EMPHASIS ON THE WHOLE PERSON, INCLUDING MENTAL, NUTRITIONAL, AND EDUCATIONAL NEEDS. (MHP)