Addictions

California’s 12-Step Prison Program

There seems to be promise of coerced treatment for addiction and some state legislatures like California have adopt a variety of forms of corrections-initiated drug treatment for nonviolent offenders who use drugs (Terry-McElrath, McBride, Vander Waal & Ruel, 2002). California, with one of the largest prison systems in the world, with over a million prisoners, is adopting the 12-step technique behind bars (”The booze,” 2003). A student writing on this subject might want to point out that California Department of Corrections (CDC) explains the program in depth and it is called STAR or Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery.
The STAR (Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery) program is actually a curriculum-based educational program that is structured in such a way as to motivate substance abusers to participate in post-release recovery activities (”Alternative,” 2003). In other words, the training begins in prison, but recovery takes awhile. Prisoners will need to take their new skills to the real world. In fact, such new skills are presented in order to assist individuals in the comprehension of the relapse process in order to prepare them for a smooth, drug free community transition (2003).
The STAR curriculum consists of the following: Process of Addiction, Process of Recovery, Twelve-Step Methodology,
Developing Healthy Relationships, Stress and Anger Management, A Framework for Recovery, Beat the Street, Community Transition Planning, and Independent Study (”Alternative,” 2003). A student writing on this subject should note that lessons contain information which are designed to teach students how to avoid trigger situations and replace them with positive social support (2003). An example of this might be that such individuals not go to bars, or visit friends who use illegal substances. Going to a wedding, while ordinary, can be a trigger event. People in recovery will learn that even a change in seasons or having a favorite desert might trigger the urge to use drugs. Some triggers are controllable, while others are not. Losing a job, losing a friend or some other life event can act as a trigger. Those in the STAR program are taught how to spot potential triggers and mitigate them.
In addition, participants are advised to seek positive social support and replace the old types of fun activities with new lifestyle choices in respect to leisure (”Alternative,” 2003). They are also urged to accept the need for recovery support and to align themselves with 12-step meetings and other people who are also in recovery (2003). The use of community resources and the development of a balanced lifestyle, inclusive of work and recreation without using drugs or alcohol is also encouraged (2003).
STAR introduces participants to information that is designed to facilitate substance abuse recovery and the curriculum addresses denial and stimulates growth through active participation (”Alternative,” 2003). A five-step process model is utilized in order to help parolees develop a new understanding of substance abuse (2003). It is perhaps through this program that the parolee is motivated to make lifestyle changes and the educational path facilitates disclosure and fosters motivation (2003). It further is designed to help parolees understand thoughts, feelings and events that could trigger relapses (2003). In general, the program helps them develop an insight into core issues which involve transforming values and behaviors (2003).
Although twelve step programs seem to work, a student writing on this subject might want to point out that there has been a lot of criticism in respect to how they are administered and what they are really made of. most in the field of addiction generally recommend such programs. The reason is because AA came into being at a time when modern methods of therapy and the like were practically non-existent in the field of addictions treatment (Lemanski, 1997). Thus, AA filled the void (1997). Today, a number of groups have evolved as well as more varied types of medical and psychological treatments for physical and psychological addictions.
While other alternatives are available, twelve step programs are often at the top of the list for places people can go to get help. Many attend AA and similar programs even after having been in an in-patient treatment facility. And for those who cannot afford proper treatment, AA is totally free. As noted, this program is found in prison systems such as the case in California. However, there are problems with the treatment. For instance, if an individual in AA does not make adequate progress, they are accused of not “working the program” (Lemanski, 1997). Rather than getting another type of help, they are told to attend more meetings as it is assumed that the program can never be the problem (1997). Also of interest is the fact that in general, most addictions counselors enter the field as a result of a personal need for treatment (1997). Thus, the health of the addictions field is questionable as most of those in charge have been through AA themselves (1997). Such therapists usually lack the emotional and psychological detachment necessary to maintain objectivity when treating clients (1997). Thus, when evaluating twelve step programs one must keep in mind not only their limitations but the fact that they might just not be right for everyone.
California has not kept a blind eye to the fact that some people will need rehabilitation treatment that is more intense than a twelve step program. Of course, twelve step programs are intense to begin with. A student writing on this subject should note that twelve step programs encourage many meetings–even every night at first–and urge sponsorship. A sponsor is someone who the recovering addict can call, and who has already been through the program, whenever they need help. This creates an intense relationship and assists an individual fight old urges to use drugs. Still, there are facilities that provide 28 day programs and other types of recovery aids which are endorsed by the California Corrections Department.
IMPACT, for example, is a nonprofit facility that charges $4,000 to $6,000 for a 30-day stay and it is accredited and has a contract with the California Department of Corrections (Mozena, 2002). Its more recent and famous guests have been James Caan, Robert Downey Jr., and Heidi Fleiss (2002). While these programs are more intense they are often meant to complement either twelve step programs or ongoing treatment. No addiction is cured in 28 days. Actually, AA members refer to themselves as being “in recovery” even if they had not had a drink in ten years. The idea that at any moment they can go back to it is entrenched in the program’s philosophy. That is another reason why some do not like the program. Also, it is thought to be based in religion as it encourages spirituality. Although there has been a lot of criticism, it is something that seems to work. It is encouraged and the California justice system has decided to embrace the model regardless of the criticism.

REFERENCES

Alternative Education: California Department of Corrections (CDC). (n.d.). Retrieved April 10, 2003 from http://www.cccoe.k12.ca.us/stsvcs/alted/cdc.html
Lemanski, M. J. (1997). The tenacity of error in the treatment of addiction. (evaluating the 12-step movement)(includes list of alternative recovery programs). The Humanist, 57, 18-23.
Mozena, K. (2002). CLEAN & SOBER. Los Angeles Magazine, 47 (4), 64-69. Terry-McElrath, Y. , McBride, D., Vander Waal, C. J. & Ruel, E. (2002). Integrating Criminal Justice, Treatment and Community Agencies to Break Cycle. Corrections Today, 64 (5), 78-86. The booze, Bill and me. (n.d.). Retrieved April 10, 2003 from http://www.sunderlandtoday.co.uk/Custom_pages/CustomPage.asp?Page=1565
Note: PG refers to pagination of electronic sources.