The Christian Science Monitor By Alexandra Marks (NEW YORK) David Sykes is sending out Christmas cards for the first time in 10 years. A recovering addict, he says he finally feels healed enough to enjoy the holidays. “The holidays have always been somewhat sad for me, the loneliness and challenges of…
To the Editor: “Freed From Prison, but Still Paying a Penalty” (news article, Dec. 29) exposes the draconian effects of a criminal justice system whose focus on tough punishment leaves little room for rehabilitation. While punishment for criminal behavior is essential, the continuing penalization of people who are overwhelmingly…
Work Life Matters By Peter Provet, Ph.D. Family focused treatment rebuilds communities As one of today’s leading providers of substance abuse and mental health treatment, Odyssey House offers a broad range of services focused on helping individuals and families heal themselves. This family-focused approach has resulted in increased client…
The Christian Science Monitor By Alexandra Marks Wanda Haskins believes she’s fully qualified to head up a successful drug-treatment program. The reason is simple: “Been there, done that,” says the former crack addict. Although the Virginia native has no formal training, she’s now the director of New Life for Girls, a…
Addiction Professional By Peter Provet, Ph.D. The therapeutic community (TC) model of substance abuse treatment is at an important crossroad in its evolution. Approximately 45 years old, this self-help model was developed to treat single, adult heroin addicts in tightly controlled, long-term residential treatment settings. Only recently – perhaps over the…