APPENDIX E
The Substance Abuse Treatment Program was started in Sept. 1980.
At that time the classes met one or two evenings a week. In early
1983 the program was changed to a 28 day residential setting. Since
that time, participants are actually assigned to a special Barracks
for the entire month. This not only gives them a better atmosphere
for study and concentration but also makes them feel more a part
of something worthwhile.
Here at Cummins each month, 25 inmates participate in this learning
experience. Since the residential program started in 1983, over 1000
inmates have taken advantage of it. Probably more than 2000 inmates
have been involved in the program since it's inception in 1980.
The primary purpose of the program is to provide mental tools for an
inmate to use in dealing with problems which led to his incarceration.
In many cases these problems were brought about by alcohol and/or drug
abuse. In other cases, personality defects were contributing factors.
Each week day is devoted to classes in several subjects:
(1) Recovery Dynamics-understanding and dealing with alcoholism
and drug addiction. Based on the principles of the program
of Alcoholics Anonymous.
(2) Positive Mental Attitude- a motivational course on how to get
the most out of life through positive means. Based on the works
of Napoleon Hill and W. Clement Stone.
(3) Personality Development-a course to help a person understand
how his attitudes and values developed and how they can be
changed for the better.
(4) Employment Preparation-not only deals with how to go about
getting a job but how to keep a job and work your way up.
(5) Financial Planning-the economics of every day living-how to
budget
.
All the classes are taught by inmate "peer counselors" with free
world supervision. At this time all the peer counselors at this
Unit are certified by the State of Arkansas* Board of Alcoholism
and Substance Abuse Counselors.
Of Course the ultimate goal of the program is to assist the inmate
in not coming back to prison. Most of those who participate are
within a few months of their parole eligibility. Therefore the
knowledge is fresh in their minds when they go back into society.