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| Forcing Addicts into treatment
Posted: 3/25/2008 11:07:54 AM | What the professionals say about the Straight treatment model.
Taken from: http://thestraights.com/professional-comments.htm
What professionals say about the Straights
They run very close to really performing psychic murder.
Marge Robertson, executive director of the Cincinnati Chapter of the ACLU, speaking of Straight, Inc., from Cincinnati Post
Everything I see smacks of child abuse.
West Palm Beach, Florida Circuit Judge Michael Gersten commenting on Growing Together, a Straight-descendent program in Lake Worth, Florida [The Palm Beach Post, 3-9-90, p. 8a]
Several children attempted suicide while staying with host families, but the attempts were not reported and the children were not treated. . . Some teen-age clients were forced to reveal their sexual fantasies during group sessions. Others were subjected to "spit therapy," where children would spit on each other to reduce their egos.
Jacqueline M. Ennis, formerly head of licensing for Virginia's Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, speaking about Straight. [Saint Petersburg Times, 7-31-91]
It is too easy for tyranny to eclipse therapy when teenagers have authority over other teenagers.
David Rosenker, Program Director, Louis House North, Blaine, Minn. The [Bergen] Record, 7-26-87, p. A17.
Straight officials have generously allowed me to witness some of their group sessions firsthand . . . I believe that Straight's treatment can be fairly compared with 'brainwashing' in prisoner-of-war camps as documented by Brown (1963, chap. 2)*. Thus, procedures that would be reprehensible in any context outside of a prisoner-of-war camp are considered acceptable 'treatment' in the case of drug addiction.
Dr. Bruce K. Alexander of Simon Fraser University in Peaceful Measures: Canada's Way Out of the 'War on Drugs', p. 75; [*Techniques of Persuasion: From Propaganda to Brainwashing by J. A. C. Brown
So we were very concerned about a program which we looked at as being something of a private jail, utilizing techniques of torture and punishment which even a convicted criminal wouldn't be subject to. . . and I use their terminology--restraint techniques, it would be our terminology that it was child abuse and torture--was directed by Miller Newton.
David Levin, formerly assistant state attorney for Sarasota, Florida commenting on Straight's former national clinical director Reverend Doctor Miller Newton on CBS' West 57th Street (1-21-89)
Straight conducts a program that practices psychological coercion and physical assault against children under the guise of drug and alcohol treatment. I believe there is reason to fear for the physical and mental safety of any child sent to the program.
Dr. Richard Ofshe, author and thought control specialist at the University of California, Berkeley
She seemed quite fearful and seemed to project an image of a child whose spirit and sense of confidence had been totally crushed.
Coral Springs psychiatrist Dr. Stephen Moskowitz commenting on a 15 year old girl named Dana who recently got out of a Straight- descendent program called Growing Together in Lake Worth, Florida [The Palm Beach Post, 3-9-90, p. 8a]
Straight represents one of the worst excesses created by the drug war environment, where 'anything goes' kind of intolerance toward drug users prevails. It is a cult. plain and simple, of people who seize on parent's frustrations with their youngsters and then subject the kids to torture and brainwashing to make them obedient and drug-free.
Dr. Arnold Trebach, attorney, author and professor emeritus of criminal justice at American University and founder of The Drug Policy Foundation
. . . the violations that we found when we investigated were overwhelmingly of violations of civil rights and safety and health and people being held against their will, sleep deprivation, restraint, seclusion, things like that.
Bob****on, Commissioner, the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse on CBS' West 57th Street (1-21-89) explaining why the state of Texas revoked the license for KIDS of El Paso--a Straight descendent program
The development which takes place is best described as a ‘resocialization process.' The individual is, in a fashion, ‘brainwashed' to give up his old deviant patterns.
Former Synanon board member and U.C.L.A. sociologist Dr. Lewis Yablonski commenting on the process of attacking old patterns in a synanon AKA a "confrontational-type" therapeutic community. From The Tunnel Back by Lewis Yablonski, p. 261. [Synanon Church is the progenitor of the Straight/Seed/KIDS peer conducted, attack therapy concept.]
. . . it was "almost unbelievable" that the director of the program, a man with "supposedly" strong credentials, would allow and condone the use of violence. "We find the institution highly questionable and someone should look into it. We think there's something radically wrong."
Secaucus, New Jersey Municipal Judge Emil DeBaglivo referring to Miller Newton (Straight's former national clinical director) upon convicting three of Newton's counselors for beating a client at Kids of North Jersey. "We were basically breaking his will," one of the counselors admitted; also stating that Newton "did tell us to do it." [The Record (Hackensack), New Jersey, 12-24-93, p. D01].
Here is Nancy Reagan on national TV promoting Miller Newton's book Not My Kid and a book by Straight consultant Bob DuPont. Former Drug Czar Carlton Turner endorses the front of Newton's book Not My Kid with these words: "Not My Kid should be required reading for any parent concerned about their children's future."
Documentation on file indicates that there have been incidents where children have been subjected [to] unusual punishment, infliction of pain, humiliation, intimidation, ridicule, coercion, threat, mental abuse or other actions of a punitive nature, including . . . interference with daily living functions such as eating, sleeping or toileting, or withholding of medication.
Letter dated June 27, 1990 from Fred Dumont, Santa Ana, California District Manager for Dept. of Social Services to Straight, National Headquarters explaining why state authorities ordered the program closed.
Loebenberg was taken to a great hall filled with Jews who were given no food, no water, no toilet facilities–and no idea what was to be done with them.
A 1989 quote from a lengthy article about how one 14 year old boy had escaped the Nazi Holocaust. [Saint Petersburg Times, 9-5-89, National, p. 1A] That little boy was Walter Loebenberg who went on to found the Tampa Bay Holocaust Museum and, paradoxically, to be President of Straight Foundation, Inc. Lied to upon entering Straight, students did not know what was going to be done to them in a place that often regulated their food and water intake. Straight students and inmates of Nazi concentration camps were often denied the right to defecate in private.
. . . Her current reports of drug use, in my opinion, would not warrant ongoing intensive treatment but we should continue to evaluate her. . .
Written opinion by a Straight-Springfield consulting psychiatrist on October 27, 1989 regarding a client named Nancy (not her real name) on her first year anniversary of treatment. Two weeks later an adult counselor and six old comers took Nancy into a timeout room where some spat on her, screamed obscenities at her, and bent her finger backwards until it touched her wrist--and broke! But they were unable to get her to admit she was a drug addict (because she wasn't) and so two and a half months later, after 16 months of evaluation, she was finally released. In 2001 Nancy mysteriously fell four floors from her apartment window killing her instantly. A tattoo on her wrist read DISCIPLINE. [In 1989, the National Geographic (of all magazines!) reported that since 1984 the percentage of "Straight's clients admitting to cocaine use has risen from about 25 to more than 75 percent."]
[Straight is] a fascist dictatorship. . . They've got all the strong points and bad points of totalitarian groups.
Dr. Stanton Peele, world renowned addiction specialist
According to sworn testimony, Straight often left restrained group members sitting in their own urine, feces or vomit until suitable concessions were extracted.
From Treatment, Thought Reform, and the Road to Hell by Dr. Barry Beyerstein, a leading Canadian researcher on opiates and brain functioning who operates a laboratory at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada
When a person is subjected to coercive persuasion without his knowledge or consent . . . [he may] develop serious and sometimes irreversible physical and psychiatric disorders, up to and including schizophrenia, self-mutilation, and suicide.
California Supreme Court, United States v. Lee [455 U.S. 252, 257, 258 (1982)
People thought we were taking away children's rights. But we saw it just the opposite - giving them back their rights by helping them get off drugs.
Mel Sembler, Straight's founder, Florida Trend Magazine, May 1997>
Straight is not a health care organization. It is a business posing as a health care organization and as a result hundreds of kids have been hurt. All of the business operations consist of fraud, double and triple billing of health insurance companies at the same time and they bill government grants while telling parents they are not the recipients of any kinds of government money.
Janet Kennedy, Ph.D. Pharmacy, MS, Hospital Administration, of Austin, Texas after a private, three year investigation of Straight. [Channel 12, Eye on Tampa Bay Show, 1992]
In 1992 the Georgia Department of Human Resources Office of Regulatory Affairs cited Straight - Atlanta for:
*Hiring unqualified staff members
*Ignoring client complaints about being denied water, sleep and medical attention.
*Violating state and federal laws on dispensing medications.
*Not evaluating and documenting a policy that allows clients to restrain other clients.
The Atlanta Journal, April 3, 1992, p. E1.
It has been determined that Straight, Inc. has consistently failed to abide by the requirements of law... Among violations cited were: the unsupervised dispensing of medications; treating clients who did not meet Straight's criteria of being chemically dependent or being in danger of becoming chemically dependent; forcing clients to sleep in beds with other clients; failing to care for injured clients; and restraining clients with nylon rope. It was noted that at least one [host home] family failed to provide proper bathroom facilities for the clients of Straight, giving them only a container to urinate in during the night.
A letter to Straight - Dallas dated August 8, 1991 from the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse notifying Straight of the Commission's intent to revoke Straight's license. Straight - Dallas voluntarily closed on October 31, 1991 citing economic reasons for closing. The Irving News, December 1 - 4, 1991.
Straight, like many religious cults, has maintained its right to conceal its aims from potential inductees. . .By any objective standard, the activities of Straight Inc. and its imitators run afoul of these criteria [Susan Andersen's Four Criteria for inferring cult-like deceptive practices]. While Straight may be among the worst offenders, it is far from alone.
From Treatment, Thought Reform, and the Road to Hell by Professor Barry L. Beyerstein, a leading Canadian researcher on opiates and brain functioning who operates a laboratory at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada.
We must make every effort to end drug and alcohol use among our young people and Straight has an excellent record of success in meeting this goal... That's what organizations like yours are about--our children, our families, and our future.
President Ronald Reagan [from a Straight pamphlet].
As one parent to another, I know there's no hurt a parent can be given that can equal that that your child can give you...But I'm proud of you because you have supported your children and given them the love they need.
Nancy Reagan, a frequent visitor to Straights all over the country, from a Straight brochure
[SAFE] fits my model of a destructive, mind-control cult.
Steve Hassan--internationally known expert on mind control commenting on the Straight-descendent program SAFE, Inc. in Orlando, Florida.
SAFE is a very successful substance abuse recovery program and is a valuable tool in assisting our youth in overcoming their drug and alcohol dependency.
Florida Republican Governor Jeb Bush from a letter dated September 30, 2000 and written even though he had been advised that a Florida TV station was doing a controversial series on the Straight descendent program SAFE. Betty was Jeb's finance co-chairman. Jeb Bush declared August 8, 2000 Betty Sembler Day in Florida in part for her work work with the Straights.
Other forms of behavior modification techniques employ intensive "encounter sessions" in which individuals are required to participate in group therapy discussions where intensive pressure is often placed on the individuals to accept the attitudes of the group. . . Once the individual is submissive, his personality can begin to be reformed around attitudes determined by the program director to be acceptable. Similar to the highly refined "brainwashing" techniques employed by the North Koreans in the early nineteen fifties, the method is used in the treatment of drug abusers. . . "The Seed", a drug abuse treatment program in Florida that, until recently, received funding from the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, is based on a similar philosophy.
INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND THE FEDERAL ROLE IN BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION by the Committee on the Judiciary,United States Senate, Subcommittee on Constitutional Rights, November, 1974, pp. 15 - 16 describing a juvenile drug rehab program in Fort Lauderdale, Florida called The Seed. [In 1975 The Seed closed all of its expansion programs. In 1976 Melvin and Betty Sembler, along with some other former Seed-Saint Petersburg, Florida parents, opened Straight--Saint Petersburg. The National Institute on Drug Abuse, under the directorship of former Drug Czar Robert DuPont, had administered a $1.4 million dollar grant to The Seed. Later he became a paid consultant for Straight and testified for Straight in many civil cases that Straight found itself in.] Link at: http://www.thestraights.com/images/seed-Ervin-brainwash.gif
. . . In some instances they were locked in rooms by themselves and denied food for days. They also reported that they were made to sit in chairs without speaking while listening to others berate them for hours. . . I recently interviewed a child that would be diagnosed as an emotionally unstable personality with paranoid overtones. The use of the above noted practices with this kind of child could easily result in a precipitation of major mental disturbance. Fortunately this child was able to run from the Seed before very much damage had been done to her psychologically. She did manifest some confusion and paranoid ideation which she felt was a result of the manner in which she was treated by the Seed personnel. I have also interviewed children who made suicide attempts following their running from the Seed. Overwhelming feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and despair were in evidence.
Letter from Jeffery J. Elenewski, Ph.D., clinical psychologist, The Children's Psychiatric Center, Dade County, Florida to Mr. Alex Miller , Youth Coordinator, Florida State Drug Abuse Program, Miami which is included as part of the 1974 U.S. Senate report on Straight's predecessor: The Seed.
It [Straight] has many of the poor points of The Seed and few of the good points. If I had to recommend one I’d recommend The Seed.
Straight board member Theodore Anderson upon joining the ranks of a half dozen board members, almost all former Seed parents, who resigned within the first 16 months of Straight's founding.
. . . kids trying to hurt themselves, slashing their wrists because they found the program so hard to cope with, and those sorts of things, along with the fact that children who are at the program have no contact with their parents where they can tell their parents, "Gee! Something's going wrong here."
Bette McClure of Massachusetts' Office for Children on Stoughton TV Checkpoint News Center 9, c. July 1991, a week after OFC's decision not to renew Straight - Boston's license because of findings of "abuse, strip searches and a dangerous environment for the kids at Straight".
Straight is not a health care organization. It is a business posing as a health care organization and as a result hundreds of kids have been hurt. All of the business operations consist of fraud, double and triple billing of health insurance companies at the same time and they bill government grants while telling parents they are not the recipients of any kinds of government money.
Janet Kennedy, Ph.D. Pharmacy, MS, Hospital Administration, of Austin, Texas after a private, three year investigation of Straight. [Channel 12, Eye on Tampa Bay Show, 1992]
. . . we left there [Straight-St Pete], on the way back I said--we walked in the motel room and I remember saying, "It's a cult. There is something about this place, this is a scary place.
Sworn court deposition of Patricia Crandall, a drug addiction specialist from Minnesota, on May 7, 1983 for the Fred Collins' trial. Ms. Crandall had accompanied Sharon Wegscheider to do an evaluation of Straight at Straight's request. She is relating her comments at the time to Ms. Wegscheider.
Because the children and young adult peer staff are turned loose with a high degree of authority, moderated by like-thinking executive staff, it felt to me, in another time and another country, that Hitler had fired their imagination and captured their thoughts. And that I, as a Jew, could be the target of more than their emotional fury with a snap of a finger of their guru. It felt like a cult and a deprogramming, not a confrontational program.
Sandy Levy Barbero, M.S.W. (today a LCSW) from her report on her visit to Kids of Bergen County, a second-generation Straight where she spent two and a half days in 1989.
There are indications that a cult of The Seed has developed which leads seedlings to associate only with other seedlings and to ostracize those who associate with non-seedlings. This has led to the formation of continuing limited peer groups outside the program which restrict seedlings' interaction with normal society. Allegiance to such a peer group may lead to a transfer of decision-making and opens the possibility that if the peer group shifts direction it may return its members to drug abuse or turn them to other anti-social behavior.
1974 Report by the Staff of the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. [Saint Petersburg Times, 4-26-74, p. 7B]. The Seed was the immediate program upon which Straight was built.
I know many returned Seedlings, there are many here at the High School. When they return, they are "straight", namely, quiet, well-dressed, short hair and not under the influence of drugs compared to their previous appearance of stoned most of the time. However, they seem to be living in a robot-like atmosphere, they won't speak to anyone outside their own group. . . I have noticed that it is almost necessary that the Seedlings be rehabilitated into social situations upon their return from The Seed. . . I attempted to visit The Seed in order to speak to them about how we could work with them and what we should do. I asked for help. I was treated rudely, two people who went with me, were denied permission to enter and were closely watched in a separate room. In addition to rude treatment, I was told that The Seed was not interested in helping us. The Seed counselor with whom I spoke, said, "We are not interested in educators or any of the people out there because they don't know anything. The world out there stinks, we will not come to school people.
Seedlings seem to have an informing system on each other and on others that is similar to Nazi Germany. They run in to use the telephone daily, to report against each other to The Seed. . . I used to take kids there. Now, I know that a number of the children are back on drugs and I am not sure whether the method in which they do return home and the difficulties they have in school, is an improvement over their previous condition of being on drugs.
Telephone statement of Helen Kloth, Guidance Counselor, North Miami Beach Senior High School to Paul T. Schabacker, Senior Health Planner, Individual Rights and the Federal Role in Behavior Modification, A Study Prepared by the Staff of the Subcommittee on Constitutional Rights of the Committee of the Judiciary of the United States Senate, November 1974, pp. 190 -191
It's a question of philosophy. What do you want for an end product? Do you want a robot, or someone who can think and act for himself.
Thomas Perrin, a former alcoholism counselor talking about the Straight-legacy program Kids of Bergen County [Bergen Record, 7-27-86, p. A17]
I wasn't me anymore, I was them. I thought what they thought, I did what they wanted me to. I could feel a sense of brainwashing.
Twenty-two-year-old Lenny in 1986 describing how he felt after leaving the Straight legacy program Kids of Bergen County in 1984. [Bergen Record, 7-27-86, p. A17]
To be blunt, I have spent 15 years working in the drug-abuse field, traveling to more than 20 countries and visiting hundreds of prevention programs. Straight, Inc. is the best drug-abuse treatment program I have seen. Lest there be any doubt that this is an accolade I have bestowed easily or casually, I can tell you that I have not said that about any other program.
Former White House Drug Czar, founding director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse and paid Straight consultant Robert L. DuPont, Jr., M.D. from a Straight brochure. As director of NIDA Dr. DuPont had administered a whopping $1.4 million dollar grant to Straight's predecessor The Seed whose methods had been likened by the US Senate to those of North Korean brainwashing.
In 1976 Betty and I helped found STRAIGHT, a non-profit, adolescent drug treatment and rehabilitation program with branches across the U.S., which successfully treated and graduated more than 12,000 young people nationwide. For 17 years, I served as chairman of the board of STRAIGHT. Other than our children, nothing was more rewarding than this effort. Betty and I initially agreed that if we helped one child it would be worth all the effort. With 12,000 successful graduates . . . It was a gratifying accomplishment.
Melvin F. "Buddy" Sembler addressing the Senate's Foreign Relations Committee on October 31, 2001 during his nomination hearing for the ambassador post to Italy which he had recently bought. The sales receipts are at:
http://www.opensecrets.org/bush/ambassadors/sembler.asphere and
http://thestraights.com/people/straight-officials/board/sembler/sembler-family-contributions.htm
We share the same democratic heritage and respect for humanity and human rights.
Straight co-founder Ambassador2 Mel Sembler, AO comparing the people of Australia with the people of America at a speech given at the Tiger Bay Club at the St. Petersburg Hilton Inn and Tower [St. Petersburg Times, May 17, 1990, Section: TAMPA BAY AND STATE Page: 3B Edition: CITY]
As a proud American, I find Melvin Sembler, our ambassador to Italy, and his wife, Betty, to be profound embarrassments. It is important that their advice on the drug war and especially on drug treatment be ignored. Indeed, it might be best if Italians listened to what this powerful couple had to say about drugs - and then followed policies in precisely the opposite direction.
Arnold Trebach, Professor Emeritus of Law at American University. Citation
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| Forcing Addicts into treatment
Posted: 3/30/2008 2:16:13 PM | Do you really believe everything you read?
Maybe you should just accept the fact that your son needs help, and quit analyzing every treatment system ever brought forward and searching for the flaws.
Send your son to treatment and see what happens. You can not control everything.
He will have to make the decisions that he will make, and there is nothing you can do about it. All you can do is offer guidance to him, and as his Mom hopefully he will listen too you.
If he wants to make some changes, he will. I hope he does. And his chances are good, if he is willing.
Sure they teach you all kinds of different stuff in treatment, some don't want to hear it.
Most people will never have to, for they have control of their lives.
Most addicts never see a problem coming, most addictions start slow. But if someone sees a problem coming then proactive reactions may be required. Most don't want to hear it, especially teenagers. Unfortunately the gov't WANTS to be the one to step in. They somehow see themselves as the savior of society.
They say that they can't stop the drugs from coming.. yea right.. trillion dollar military machine in the states ( where you get some of your data from), can't stop a few planes and boats ( well lots of them) , but they could.
Treatment centers are a HUGE business, they let the drugs in and then have to help the people get off them. So they let treatment centers open , and they look like heroes.
Some are good and some are bad. Some are great and some are down right terrible.
What's more important is getting him through it, and getting him back.
If he wants to change he will, and I highly doubt he is going to come out being a robot/zombie.
He will likely come out of it a more mature young man. Maybe even admitting his own flaws and faults.
I wish you the best, is not an easy spot to be in.
Have strength and try to look for some positives out of this.
Worry is not an option, will eat you up. Then you'll be drinkin , lol | |
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| Forcing Addicts into treatment
Posted: 3/30/2008 4:06:25 PM | The gov't steps in. They have too few options on where to send the kids for treatment so they will send them ANYWHERE. There are too few gov't facilities, so they utilize private unregulated facilities. Have they done ANY investigation to see if this is a SAFE facility before ordering clients there?
No.
Where's the accountability?
I guess for a lack of options, they will send kids to programs that have been PROVEN to be abusive, PROVEN to be cults, and proven to produce clients who are capable of murdering others, committing suicide or going through 2 decades of post traumatic stress because that's what this type of treatment does to a person.
But it doesn't matter to most people, does it? As long as what has been perceived as an addict is locked up somewhere, anywhere and the gov't can say they did something, anything, that makes it ok?
Dano - if you don't think my son will come out some sort of zombie/robot, then you don't know much about cults, indoctrination or the thought reform process. That is exactly what will happen, that is what they do.
As long as this program can deceive the public, keep a few good looking former clients on board to keep the process running and manage to avoid the standards, regulations and certification that legitimate agencies need to abide by it will continue to operate.
There is no limit to the supply of concerned parents who will unwittingly commit their children to these programs. And now the courts are involved in ordering youth into this treatment.
The thought reform process is insideous. They hook you bit by bit, they control the parents through fear, obligation and guilt and by the time you realize (IF you realize) you're being controlled through undue influence, it is far too late to do anything about it. If you question the organization or their tactics, or if you are one of the people who don't succumb to the thought reform process you will be terminated from the group, considered a cop out and forever lose contact with your family members.
The whole point in brainwashing is keeping the victim unaware of the process while gaining control of their lives.
IF and when the kids get out of this they have their original problems to deal with PLUS the damage of being in a coercive program.
Drug treatment fantastic! Helping people at risk, I'm all for that.
Court ordering youth or anyone to dangerous facilities, with no accountability and uninformed consent, that's where I start to have an issue with things.
I have personally talked to DOZENS of people who have been severely damaged by these programs. Some people can't cope. That is NOT helping people.
I don't believe everything I read. BUT I do believe what I've seen with my own eyes and what I've experienced in my own life. | |
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| Forcing Addicts into treatment
Posted: 3/30/2008 4:49:57 PM | I just talked to a youth a couple of weeks ago who was in our local program at the age of 13.
He was beaten by his oldcomers at several recovery homes, and he's not the only one. No one would do anything about it as he was a newcomer and everything he said is considered "lies and manipulation". The unlicenced, unscreened host home parents of course did nothing because they are INSTRUCTED to do nothing in their homes. The newcomer clients are the responsibility of the oldcomer clients.
Lord of the Flies... is this OK?
The kids in treatment have no outside advocate, they are not even allowed to talk to their own parents until they've reached a level in the program where they are convinced the things that have happened to them are for their own good.
This youth graduated and has been out of the program for 3 years and no longer attends. He continues to use drugs and alcohol. His mother still attends the bi-weekly meetings and complies with all the other (unwritten) requirements. Three YEARS! Why is this parent still attending a youth treatment center her son has been uninvolved with for the last three YEARS?
You never leave. This is just one of the things they DON'T tell you when you sign up.
After graduation, you join the "alumni" and I'm talking parents AND clients. These meetings start running out of people's homes in the community.
I can't imagine sending my son to treatment and then continuing to attend the meetings, working for and giving my resources to the program years after he's long gone!
People don't do this because they're happy for the treatment. They do it because they've gone through months into years of carefully orchestrated grooming.
My son can't heed my advice I haven't been able to talk to him for 7 and a half months. I'm a cop out parent because my other child couldn't participate and I refused to remove him from my home. My son has been taught and has come to believe he needs to avoid his family for life for his own sobriety. IF I had removed my other child from the home, complying with what the program wanted me to do then I guess I'd be an acceptable person to continue to associate with.
He's being shipped down to the US to study addictions and to continue to work for the program at minimum wage. He no longer associates with anyone he knows.
I don't know, you tell me what good will come of this? | |
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| Forcing Addicts into treatment
Posted: 3/30/2008 8:23:27 PM | Well I must admit that this sounds like pretty harsh treatment. You certainly can't beat one into submission, and have them admit defeat that way. And this sounds like a questionable house-hold environment, that it involves the "elders" being the ones held responsible for new clients. That job SHOULD be done by someone who can BE accountable for what transpires during every 24 hr. period.
So yes, I do agree with you that there are some questions about how this is being operated. And the lack of communication is worrisome.
Now you have to realize that many an addicted teen comes from a household that has had problems of it's own in the past. I am not saying this is the case with your house, but there are many kids out there that should be somewhere else other than back at home. I know 2.
One thing that these kids are being told, probably, is that if there is ANY alcohol or drug use in the house, then they should think about living somewhere else. thus avoid any contact with parents that drink and party.
But it should be out of the question for them to try to turn the kid against the parents.
Now, if he wanted to phone you, he sure should be able to. One would certainly hope that. But as for taking calls, this is not uncommon at all. Most facilities will not take calls, but some will take a message. Others will not even admit that you are or are not even there.
Confidentiality is taken to a premium, and sometimes the system can work against you.
Now as for the woman you mention that "keeps going back", the one with the kid that is back on drugs and stuff.
Well I imagine that she may be besides her self maybe, wondering what went wrong, what to do still, maybe?
There are great groups for the parents or spouses of addicts and alcoholics. Regular people that find themselves in a spot they never imagined, and don't know what to do.
They have meetings just like AA / NA does. Women (mostly) all get together and share stories and gain a common strength through sharing stories and finding a bond with others in the same boat they are in. And a great many can find some of the answers that they are seeking. You say you "couldn't imagine continuing to attend meetings" after he was done. Well, addiction is for life. >Timmyct had an great message, good on ya< And parents and spouse attend because the work doesn't end when the door swings. They want to understand more about it. It may help you out actually, Sharing your story and frustrations.
I feel for you, nothing comes easy sometimes.
At least they can find some peace and serenity knowing they are not alone.
Maybe this woman goes back because she WANTS to. I recommend Al-anon or Ala-teen.
Can be tremendously helpful. All this cult-like stuff sounds very weird.
Temptation can be a drama in real life. We all face it all the time, want this want that..
And apposed to when I/you grew up, this is the age of instant gratification.
Kids want it all, and they want it right now. From instant tellers ( which are old, lol), express lines, cell phones, text messaging, down-load now, kinda world. Everything is now, now, now. Kids are tempted by this fast paced lifestyle.
Yet a great many are overweight. Things come to easy for them these days, do they even fail kids anymore?
I am forever the optimist, and can only hope that your son can gain some life experience, do it sober and find the answers to the questions we all ask anyways as a teenager. Who am I , what am I doing etc. You know, the BIG ONES. Takes a lifetime sometimes to figure it out. Some never do, addicts and alcoholics still using, never will.
If he is straight, wherever he is, you should be a bit thankful for that.
And to think that you have lost any chance of grand kids, well if he is using now and he doesn't spend some time getting clean. He would not be a good father anyways.
You have to be more hopeful. He will be back. But it's hard to take, it's alot.
But there are places you can go to and talk about whats going on in your head too.
This is really a prime example of how addiction affects not just the addicted.
You are not alone.  | |
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| Forcing Addicts into treatment
Posted: 4/12/2008 3:25:48 PM | I tried to get 5 minutes with my son yesterday. It was refused. He's been there 8 months now and is court ordered to this program for another 2 years.
We've missed seeing my son over Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Easter and now I wasn't even allowed to say "Hello" on his 18th birthday.
Way to bring families together people! Good job!!!
Was great to see my son's lawyer with the director of the program at the Hitmen/Bronco's game. Kodak moment for sure.
To my son: Happy 18th Birthday!!! We love you, and miss you!!! | |
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| Forcing Addicts into treatment
Posted: 4/12/2008 4:05:05 PM | I read your updates and never really know how to respond.
The lawyer and director together gotta make you go WTF? 
Let me ask you this Cndn, is there anything that we can do?
Write letters to MLA's or MP's?
Phone them?
I find it maddening and I am uninvolved . I can't even imagine what you and your family feel. | |
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| Forcing Addicts into treatment
Posted: 4/13/2008 8:01:15 AM | When the program started there was controversy. LOTS of it. But the ones wanting it to take off had their own children in the US programs that were in the process of being sued, and having their state licensing shut down. These people had a lot of money and were politically well connected. People in the position of power will back something if certain names are connected to it without truly knowing the inside story of what they are backing. These programs operate in an aura of secrecy.
Program graduates produce shining faces and a very presentable appearance, but it is an illusion. It's a by product of the thought reform. The program teaches them how to function within the program, but they have an extremely difficult time functioning in society.
They will ALL say the exact same thing: "The program was the hardest thing I've ever done, but it also saved my life" No doubt it is the hardest thing they've done, but it's only saved their life because the program convinces them their life is in jeopardy in the first place.
The problem here in Canada is that the industry is completely unregulated, you can't lose a license that you weren't required to have in the first place. The program receives gov't money for grants etc., but they do not collect gov't money for user fees etc., so the various Acts regarding facilities that we have in Canada to protect people do not apply.
There are no psychologists who work there, only former clients of the program. They don't need accredited staff as there are no regulations stating they do.
Once a client enters treatment they have no rights. Children's services can not get involved because the program does not fall under their jurisdiction. The Minister of Justice can not get involved because the program does not fall under their jurisdiction either, it isn't a correctional facility under their mandate. Alberta Health and Wellness is not involved either as the program is a private facility, a charitable organization, a not for profit organization. If they were collecting gov't funds for user fees it would be a different story.
There are loopholes here, very large ones.
The program violates the Convention on the Rights of the Child, governed by International Law. Especially minor clients who are court ordered there without parental consent. Those kids especially lose their human and legal rights. The Canadian Government being the "State Party" as referenced in the Convention is violating International Law by not providing protection.
The program does receive government money. A small portion comes from AADAC, but the program operates at "arms length". They have a "standing offer" with Children's Services who will assist in the cost of treatment if the parents want their child there but can't afford treatment.
The program also received a two million dollar grant in 2004, but I was unable to see this amount accounted for on the charity's tax return. This amount was to cover the cost of expanding the treatment facility and doubling the clientele. The facility was expanded but the clientele was not. That is YOUR tax dollars!
Phone calls and letters to MLA's & MP's couldn't hurt.
To be connected to any Alberta Government office, call 310-0000 toll-free anywhere in Alberta
Hon. Ed Stelmach
Office of the Premier
Room 307, Legislature Building
10800 - 97th Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T5K 2B6
Phone: (780) 427 2251
Fax: (780) 427 1349
Alberta Alcohol & Drug Abuse Commission - Provinical Administration
6th Floor, 10909 Jasper Ave
Edmonton AB, T5K 2B6
Phone: 403-427-7935
Fax: 403-427-1436
Alberta Health and Wellness
P.O. Box 1360, Station Main
Edmonton, AB
T5J 2N3
Phone: 780-427-2711
Minister Of Justice And Attorney General
320 Legislature Bldg. 10800 97th Avenue
Edmonton AB, T5K 2B6
Phone: 403-427-2339
Family & Social Services Ministeræs Office
104 Legislature Bldg, 10800 - 97th Ave
Edmonton AB, T5K 2B6
Phone: 403-427-2606
Fax: 403-427-0954
Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security,
9th floor, John E. Brownlee Building
10365 - 97 Street
Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 3W7
Phone 780-427-3457
Fax: 780-427-3157.
Auditor General
9925 109 St Nw
Edmonton AB, T5K 2J8
Phone: 403-422-6357
Tax And Revenue Administration
5th Floor, 9811 109 St
Edmonton AB, T5K 2L5
Phone: 403-427-6553
Fax: 403-422-2090
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| Forcing Addicts into treatment
Posted: 4/13/2008 8:45:41 AM |
Now you have to realize that many an addicted teen comes from a household that has had problems of it's own in the past.
Yes, and these are the SAME homes that are used as "host recovery homes". It's not ok to have YOUR drug addicted teen in your home... but you can have OTHER drug addicted teens in your home. | |
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| Forcing Addicts into treatment
Posted: 4/13/2008 8:53:32 AM | Sorry I do not agree.Some addicts come from quite functional families.
Let's all choose from the list and contact at least one of the government people. | |
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| Forcing Addicts into treatment
Posted: 4/13/2008 10:07:54 AM | I believe that when people become a danger to themselves or others in society, they need to be forced into treatment. Addiction may be classified as a disease now, however, it is also still a choice when it comes to adults. Unless you are under the age of majority, and you are a minor, particularily the young ones. I have seen the under 10 drunk and high....this is not something they find on their own, they usually find it in their circle of influence...and they have usually been doing it for a long time. There are good, bad and ugly treatments around, has been for time and memorial. It truly does take a society to raise children these days....we are all accountable for the children, you do not need to look to those far away, just look within your own back yard or community.....many children and families are crying out for help....be compassionate....walk a mile in their shoes first....before judging...or the shoe may one day be on the other foot...jmho....and 2 cents worth....it is never easy....I pray daily for those in distress and pain! | |
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| Forcing Addicts into treatment
Posted: 4/13/2008 9:07:18 PM | OP, your situation sounds horrible and I can't imagine what it would be like to bash your head against the wall repeatedly like that. You have posted a great deal of information that I don't think I completely took in on a first read. I further can't imagine that cutting a child off from contact with those who love him would be good for his well-being.
I can relate to ice-hunter. My ex started smoking crack when I was pregnant with our second (last) child. I stayed a year and a half after I found out. He voluntarily went to rehab (Henwood) twice during that time. He's been in rehab at least twice since that I'm aware of. The entire family went to NA meetings (the kids were too small to understand).
This man has volunteered for treatment on more than one occasion. He has been clean for varying lengths of time many times. When the courts threw him out of our home he lived on the streets and in his truck. He has lost the truck and lived on the streets several times. Currently his parents are allowing him to live in their home, but won't let him be there alone, nor have a housekey.
Even voluntary treatment fails more often then it succeeds!
My biggest fear is that my children will turn to substances at some point. I don't know how to prevent it. Many drug users come from good homes. Scary scary stuff.
Best of luck Cndn Girl. | |
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| Forcing Addicts into treatment
Posted: 4/13/2008 9:19:10 PM |
My biggest fear is that my children will turn to substances at some point. I don't know how to prevent it.
There are certainly no guarantees when raising children but the best things you can do are to keep informed, educate them, try not to be paranoid about it, keep communication open and if they do try drugs to realize that you have done what you could to prevent it. They have to learn some things on their own, despite your best efforts.
As for the OP's situation, an investigative media report would be helpful. Try bugging the hell out of one (or all) of the news agencies to get them to cover this. | |
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| Forcing Addicts into treatment
Posted: 4/14/2008 9:13:44 AM |
Let's all choose from the list and contact at least one of the government people.
I have contacted all of these departments myself. They all agree that this program falls through the cracks. Legislation needs to change. These "private" "not for profit" facilities that keep youth over the long term (1 year+) NEED to be regulated.
If anyone is interested in calling/writing the government, that is what needs to be done.
Ask AADAC how these private programs are regulated, when you find they are not, ask them WHY they are not, and how to get them regulated.
A good question for the Minister of Justice Department is how can they order youth to private treatment facilities if no one has any control over the quality of care at such facilities?
Health and Wellness: How can long term residential treatment centers operate with no accreditation procress on the model of treatment or the staff involved?
Ministry of Children's Services: Who provides protection for, and guarantees the legal rights of children placed in "private" facilities? Especially those court ordered into treatment for an indeterminate amount of time. These rights are provided for under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Also, if other foster, group homes require a license, criminal record check and child welfare check, why does this program avoid having such standards?? I do believe this falls under the "Social Care Facilities Act". Child Welfare has a licencing department for foster homes, group homes, childcare etc.
Programs that utilize government monies for user fees are regulated. Private facilities should be regulated as well.
This is SOOO hard on my other son, he walks around with his brother's picture in a pouch around his neck. He is worried that I'm giving up and that if something bad happened to HIM I wouldn't be able to help him. I try to cope, live life, and do everything I can to help his brother, but he sees that as giving up. He thinks I should just storm the place and get his brother out of there, but it's just not that simple. I would go to jail!!!
It breaks my heart. How do I explain to him that bad things DO happen to good people and there is nothing you can do about it.
We DO live in an unsafe world. | |
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| Forcing Addicts into treatment
Posted: 4/14/2008 1:32:34 PM |
an investigative media report would be helpful. Try bugging the hell out of one (or all) of the news agencies to get them to cover this.
There's a thought, butt uglee... have you tried that one, CndnGirl?
C | |
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| Forcing Addicts into treatment
Posted: 4/14/2008 2:46:08 PM | In response to: Forcing Addicts into treatment
NO.
All people should have the right to chose for themselves and everything that happens is a result of a prior action or inaction. All you can do is suggest to them that their habit is causing you grief and tell them that their life is worth more than they think and it is not disposable. They have to make the decision themselves. Parents that force their children into anything should be the ones being held in the treatment centers. It is better to tell your children what the right and wrong things are and what the possible consequences could be before it happens. You only really have control of what is happening at the present but only you can use the present to shape your future based on your past experiences. Don't dwell in the past and don't worry about the future. Deal with what you can in the present because that is the only thing humans are capable of. Addictive substances are very bad and can kill you. Life is too short to learn from your own mistakes so you have to learn also from the mistakes of others. If you can’t do that then Darwin’s Laws will ultimately come into play.
I have found that when people have to control another person’s life then it shows that their life is out of control. It is a mad, mad world and it does seem that mankind is out of control so it is really only an illusion of control anyways. It is what it is.
If a person becomes addicted to any substance or activity whether it is video games, porno, gambling, coffee, cigs, prescription pills, or any illicit drugs then it shows that their life is not providing what they need. Perhaps if our society did not present alcohol and drugs in such way as they do then people would be less apt to seek it in the first place. Education (not brainwashing) is the key.
I have a son who is almost 18 and he is not addicted to drugs or alcohol but many of the people at his high school are addicted to drugs and booze. I can hardly wait for him to graduate so that he can get out of there. Promote responsibility and moderation.
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| Forcing Addicts into treatment
Posted: 4/15/2008 10:39:27 AM | You make a lot of extremely valid points FW Franklin!
Ardent - one reporter was taking a serious look at it, but the bosses wouldn't let it fly. I don't suppose the fact that they are supporters of the program or the fact that a 25 year veteran of the station was instrumental in getting the place off the ground in the first place had ANYTHING to do with the fact they won't cover the story!!!
There is another reporter that is pretty gutsy that has taken a very strong interest in this, she also has to present this to her boss. That station is another supporter of the program, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Here is a recent article in the news:
http://www.mcgilldaily.com/article/3174--does-my-teen-need-help-
From the article:
The latest in a line of controversies came from a rehabilitation chain named Kids Inc., a successor to Synanon’s breakdown model. Though no Canadian Kids programs were ever officially opened, so many Canadian youths were sent to Kids of Bergen County in northern New Jersey that a Kids of the Canadian West program, based in Alberta, was in the works in the early 1990s. But following several allegations of abuse against various Kids facilities, centres all over the United States were shut down.
Plans for such a Canadian Kids facility were scrapped. Instead, the man set to head the Kids camp in Alberta, Dr. Dean Vause, went on to found his own facility: the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC), in Calgary. While there have never been any formal charges laid, and the AARC firmly denies any allegations, a preliminary report done in 2003 by the nonprofit International Survivors Action Committee (ISAC) concluded that the AARC bore an all-too-striking resemblance to its Kids predecessors.
“With respect to allegations of abuse, I have yet to encounter one,” an AARC representative wrote to The Daily in an email: “If this did occur, however, it would be considered a critical and urgent clinical issue to be addressed by our clinical committee.”
Confined to recovery
One of the biggest problems with many of these programs is that they promise a quick-fix solution to deep-seated psychological problems. Usually these tough-love facilities are not staffed with psychological professionals.
The AARC, for one, touts its “teen-on-teen” care as integral to the rehabilitation process. “Addicts are adept at manipulating and conning others. But they can’t con a con,” reads the AARC web site. In fact, many peer counsellors are graduates of the program itself. “They know all the lines and have heard all the excuses – they’ve used them. Many counsellors have degrees, giving them a powerful blend of real life experience and clinical expertise.”
This model, however, cannot provide kids with adequate psychological help if they really do need it, asserts Szalavitz. Helpatanycost.com, Szalavitz’s accompaniment to her book of the same name, notes that one of the major questions parents should ask when considering sending their wayward children to one of these programs is: “What are the qualifications of the line staff who work directly with the teens?” According to Szalavitz, anything less than a Masters-level psychology degree for all group leaders should be considered a red flag.
So the media IS taking a look at it. But it doesn't seem to make much of a difference. I hope all parents who even consider putting kids into these places do a THOROUGH search into the background of the program. Could save everyone a lot of grief. Even if parents stop signing their kids in there is still the courts.
How can the courts order kids to private facilities like this with no accountability?
 
Pfft... "Teen On Teen" care!!! Like that newcomer who was forced to walk around in a headlock by the oldcomer!! Then got smacked in the head when he tried to get free and had to succumb to being lead around in a headlock!!!
coughlordofthefliescough
Whatever it takes to break their will I guess!
Charges HAVE been brought to the Calgary Police Service and are being investigated.
Maybe things will be different now that we have a new Minister of Justice in Alberta. | |
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| Forcing Addicts into treatment
Posted: 5/5/2008 8:57:13 AM | This is the same program, as ours they just opened a branch here in Calgary with a different name. The kids from that program (the SAME program detailed in the movie "Over the GW") were brought here to Calgary to work as counselors:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys95UL6KC5A
Here's a link to the whole session:
http://edwork.edgeboss.net/wmedia/edwork/fc/fc042408.wvx
The Government Accountability Office in the US is going hard on this, they need to do the same here in Canada. | |
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| Forcing Addicts into treatment
Posted: 5/5/2008 11:05:45 AM | Here's another link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93ytskDgzV0
The girl in the white tank top in this screening of "Over the GW" was a client in our Calgary AARC program.
She ran on New Year's Eve from her host home, got frost bite on her bare feet and called for help from a gas station. She doesn't even use drugs.
Anyone else out there who feels this treatment of our local youth is an outrage and can no longer continue, please contact your MLA. | |
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| Forcing Addicts into treatment
Posted: 11/2/2008 10:05:02 AM | YESSS!!! Another "drug treatment center" based on the Straight model has been successfully closed due to protests!!!
http://www.fornits.com/
This sums up pretty good the problem I have with these places!
Statistics or no....still the real questions are not being answered as xxxxx indicated. Sobriety at what price? You see, this is brainwashing, coersive technique we are talking about here. There is no real, honest change made by the individuals placed in these programs....its forced contrition which over a long sustained period becomes viewed as truth by the client. If someone locks you up in a windowless room for 12 hours a day 7 days a week, and proceeds to bludgeon you emotionally and physically about what and who you are....how long before your reality rearranges to the point of believing you are exactly what they say you are? This is why I laugh at people like xxxxxx because they can never ever truly understand whats so horrific about this program. They dont understand that a greater part of the abuse that occurs physically was actually an escape mechanism from the horror of the methodology. Kids ran for the door and were restrained so they could FEEL something, a break from the monotony of mental torture and isolation......people who havent been there cannot wrap their heads around this idea.
Do you know that when I ran away from that place I was probably the most honest I had ever been? That the brutal honesty I encountered in deciding that death was prefferable to continuing to stay at that horrid place and defile my soul is probably what actually turned my life around forever? Its because I chose to see truth that I found it, not because I was force fed the concept.
There is no stat in this exhaustive exchange that accounts for the number of children placed in these programs who DO NOT actually have a drug problem. How many of these "sober graduates" can be correctly identified as actual addicts? Can you produce a statistic or even a documented single incident of a client refused admission due to the fact that they did not fit the definition of a drug addict upon arrival?
Before you even come near the idea of sober versus using at all, you have to look at the plumbing under the floor...something these advocates have no interest in observing.
As far as paperwork is concerned...of course they are inclined to withhold it....most certainly because the greater part of the documentation available on each client is probably filled out by either an uncertified staff member, or another client. The only useful thing that may be part of an individuals file is probably their intake forms, also probably filled out by other clients, but possibly signed by a staff member. Do you know who did my intake? Two third phasers.....and they kept me in there so long that they already had me admitting to doing drugs I had never even seen before. You wont find those nice tidbits in your marketing brochure. They were going to make me into an addict so they could make me sober.
I strongly urge these advocates to take an honest look at what actual survivors have to say about the experience and try to envision it. I am 33 with a family and a full life, I have no other reason to share my experiences with these methods than to give an honest account of what I was subjected to. What I saw countless countless others subjected to. There is no bone left to pick, only the bare bones truth about the nature of the method, which no matter how you slice it.....will always be flawed. | |
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| Forcing Addicts into treatment
Posted: 1/30/2009 4:37:09 AM |
you are mine mofo
mother****er
I didnt drop $50k just for u mofo
suck me off
blowme beotch
$69 for a blowjob n pizza
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm love it
****
wait wait the rc's caught on to that accident on main, by peach
Ihad a pound
wow lil , **** I have always hated the nig
lol m**** that nig, drop $50 a T, right by The keg
**** who blows who you lil nig **** blow me
s have always been known to be faggotty in the end
s are faggoty
Every0ne hates their small brain gu
Dont deny it fag
We have had several beer n u should suck me off nig ****
Nodoubt ****
blow , me off, you lil
guarunteed nig
I own it all
Iven been to jtail many times and this nig thinks he owns it all own****n ball, ffaggot
mofo
Blow me off,I always hate the fag that thinks he knows it all.....I've beento that bar onceor twice since,lol faggot, got drunk many times and the **** fag transjendered fag can suck me off........................you lil faggot****sucker ........mmmmmm I only love ****....but since your a fag **** off
You heard me fag, I drank since sicamous, and that bar was open until 1am, and that liqui thank god was only open untiil 10pm, I bought a 12 pack and drove drunk from there to home, gotta love that sheot faggot, ****
Hold on, da burtch via Kelowna is innocenti
please do not diss da burtch, via his only pool visitation
He was on a great drukard that no "A Home Away" could drop
hay hay hay now lil **** f u, n f u 2 b wink
I will go back when I am quite ready lil beotch probably in the summer, when I dig shit more easily, and can get laid more easily on an open meeting mixed, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm thats the shit I dig right there.....love it ****, blow me off
Forcing Addicts into treatment does not work and can have negative results.
Coming to an industrial area near you! | |
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| Forcing Addicts into treatment
Posted: 2/4/2009 3:19:44 AM | Everything is good Equip Girl, thank you!
The Update - This issue has been picked up by The Fifth Estate, they're currently investigating and will be airing sometime in the near future! Please watch for it!
Private facilities have been using unqualified staff and inhumane methods to diagnose and treat individuals against their will for decades! The "Straight" model and those similiar using confrontational type therapy has been proven to be detrimental, even fatal and these facilities are eventually investigated and shut down.
Other local media are also now investigating and I'm sure several issues will be coming to light in the very near future! | |
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| Forcing Addicts into treatment
Posted: 2/4/2009 10:15:18 PM | I had to work tonight, and missed the broadcast. 
I am assuming I will be able to find it on some kind of podcast via the CBC site. | |
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| Forcing Addicts into treatment
Posted: 2/4/2009 10:20:59 PM | wow, some super long posts, by bad for not reading them...
Why would forcing someone into treatment HELP THEM?
If I don't want to do something, you sure as heck are not going to beable to MAKE me do it.
Talk about being a bully. | |
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