THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY (TC)
AADAP, Inc.
"Whenever I hear AADAP, the word MONAD comes to mind. MONAD is nothing other than 'Mouth on no active duty'—a shout to shut up. I remember that the main goal of the training is, 'Never use drugs again, for life.' The core objective of the rehabilitation program and how it is carried out is clear: to train individuals to eat, live, speak, socialize, and travel without using drugs. This way, they can move forward in a normal social environment with a fresh mind, a new self, and new perspectives, being healthy, vibrant, and full of energy. Only then can they move toward a clear life goal and hope with full confidence.
From the beginning to the end of the program, they must recite the 'Concepts of Change' about three times a day. There are three main areas that must be changed:
(1) Attitude (Behavior, speech, and conduct)
(2) Direction (Purpose/Goal)
(3) Lifestyle (Way of life)
Concepts of Change
===============
There are basic principles of change.
Attitude, Direction & lifestyle.
Through transforming these,
I am well on my way to a better life.
First, I must believe that people need people,
Without the care and concern of and for others
I will not grow.
As addicts, we may feel damaged, but our lives
Are not beyond repair.
Through people I will change my attitude
I Will seek a new direction in my life. I will cease to Believe
“Once an addict always an addict”
With these changes, I will create and seek a healthy lifestyle.
With these positive values
I am allowed to be the person
I have always wanted to be.
The training is to teach how to act, speak, behave, and live life with purpose and direction. Some people come to this training voluntarily after detoxing from drugs at a hospital. Others come because they have a sudden urge to stop, or because of the wishes of their parents, wife, or girlfriend while they are still using. Additionally, some young people, after getting into trouble and being arrested due to associating with the wrong crowd and using drugs, get a 'Second Chance' request opportunity while in prison. This is to ensure that these young people's lives are not ruined. However, when the prison grants a Second Chance, the individuals must spend 6 months in the Drug Abuse Program, and some people come this way.
In the training program, every trainee has a Counselor who is responsible for the individual's progress during the course, as well as all health, social, and functional tasks. One Counselor is responsible for approximately eight trainees. The office staff is responsible for things like handling hospital and clinic matters, applying for driving licenses, applying for health care cards, reapplying for lost vital documents for trainees for various reasons, issuing trainee ID cards, and applying for bus pass cards. They are also responsible for gathering information on budgets for the weekly outing and recreation activities requested by the trainees, often adjusting the program to fit their budget, and generally facilitating their needs.
In addition, the office staff and the trainees responsible for the Kitchen have a weekly menu planning session. Based on my experience while I was in charge of the Kitchen, we would first take a stock balance of all food items. We would then create the menu based on that, and submit a list of necessary items, including a list for the following week's advance purchase. We often joked that at AADAP, the cheapest things were money and food. Food is abundant; for example, they order ice cream in 5-gallon tubs, and the office staff approves most requests.
In the training center, cooking, laundry, cleaning, and daily regular meetings are managed by the trainee coordinators, and all trainees participate in these duties. Trainee coordinators such as the HC (House Coordinator), Cleaning Coordinator, Maintenance Coordinator, Kitchen Coordinator, and Laundry Coordinator are selected by the office staff and Counselors during their meetings.
Since there are dogs, cats, and turtles at the center, there are also coordinators responsible for them. Furthermore, the training includes visually impaired individuals and mothers with children. The visually impaired person is given a separate room on the ground floor with a dedicated coordinator. There is a separate Baby Room downstairs for single mothers and married mothers with children. While there is no designated coordinator for the children, there are plenty of people who love to care for them or the mothers.
"Fix yourself, find the right path" "A real life is a life without drugs"
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When a trainee first arrives, they receive a document file with rules and things to do, a notebook, and a pen. They must stay alone for 14 days in a two-person, motel-level room with full utilities. During this period, all urine, blood, and infection tests will be done. If they pass, they are moved to the 2-person or 4-person rooms where the other trainees livye. During these 14 "Golden Days," a responsible senior trainee will be assigned to them. This trainee will explain all the do's and don'ts of the course, act as a conversational partner, and introduce them to all the teachers and staff. During these 14 days, if the new trainee makes a mistake, it is not their responsibility but the responsibility of their assigned coordinator—it is like caring for a big child. If the person arrives without having detoxed yet, the coordinator is considered unlucky.
From the time you start the course until you finish, you will feel like someone is opening and checking your door between 12 AM and 1 AM and again between 2 AM and 3 AM. Even if you lock it, it happens. This has been happening since the beginning of the training; if you ask anyone, they will give the same answer. I later realized it was the work of the night duty teachers/counselors. They move stealthily, and although I say that, they are fully informed of everything—including ghost stories, and some female trainees from the female section temporarily sneaking into the male trainees' rooms at night, and more.
Since trainees eat, drink, and play together every day, they fight and then make up quickly, and then it's over. There is no cunning, scheming, or grudges—it is a very good practice. If they have something to say, they say it clearly and directly to one's face, and then afterward, they can talk and be friends about other matters.
I was very lucky to attend the training during November, December, and January, which is the time of all the major festivals. Putting that aside, let's look at the regular food. They serve Mexican, American, and Asian food, plus hotdogs, sandwiches, various fruits, tacos, burritos, fried noodles, fried rice, ice cream, wafers, and various snacks almost daily. On Saturday and Sunday, they serve Brunch, which was inconvenient for me at first because I am used to eating frequently, and we don't have that custom in Asia. Brunch is a combination of Breakfast + Lunch. They serve Brunch at 10 AM, and then snacks and High Tea at 2:30 PM—just imagine.
Let's continue with the festival months. In America, there are annual events like Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and New Year's, so it feels like one festival after another. Getting to joyfully experience their lifestyle with Americans was a great experience.
During the training, former trainees who completed the program often join the training meetings online and share their experiences.
Most people who come to this training are addicted to heroin, oxycodone (oxy), fentanyl, speed, and alcohol. From what I have observed, the causes are mainly:
(1) Starting with the wrong crowd/friends
(2) Romantic relationships/couples
(3) Heartbreak, depression, or trauma
Among these three groups, those who started due to friends are the easiest to break the habit, while those who used it as an escape from Depression and Trauma are the most difficult to treat. This is why you cannot simply say, "he is cured, and he is not" when it comes to drug addiction; you need to consider the background cause of why they started using. You also need to study and test the mental damage of the drug user during rehabilitation. This is what I mean when I say someone like me had to continue treatment for mental issues, like PTSD Depression, after the course. My PTSD Depression is different.
(PTSD can cause persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities, which are all hallmarks of depression. Individuals with PTSD may also experience feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame.)
This is what is written in the book, but the most obvious symptom for me is what I call (Seeing and Hearing), because sometimes I see images and hear voices too often.
So, some people ask if they can quit drugs without needing training programs. Here, based on about 30 years of study and observation, quitting systematically, step-by-step, is very beneficial. Most people who don't quit systematically relapse after being clean for two to five years. Quitting drugs is not a "done and dusted" matter. You should participate in continuous awareness and self-help programs like NA, AA, both online and offline, with the help and warm support of family and the community.
In these groups, you will find people called Sponsors, who are former addicts who have successfully achieved stable lives today. They can empathize and understand you, and they will mentor, advise, and guide you. These successful individuals who have overcome addiction are part of a Group Sponsor system that helps several people a year. Although called a Sponsor, it is a kind of mentorship and also includes financial aid.
In the training, drug addiction is absolutely not treated as a fault. Some use it for fun, and some get addicted while looking for an escape. Regardless of how they got addicted, they are viewed as suffering patients who need rehabilitation, training, and understanding. One day, when the teacher saw me entering the room late, he asked, "Isn't it true, Mr. Aung, that drugs are good?" I replied, "Of course, Sir! Drugs are addictive because they are appealing. Would people get addicted if they weren't good, Sir?" Everyone laughed. The teacher said, "You are not wrong, but after attending this course, don't stop at that understanding. You must also remember that drugs are not just good and appealing, but they have extremely negative effects on you, your family, your children, and your community. They cause more harm than good, Mr. Aung." I agreed. The teacher was actually explaining the negative consequences of relapse (I messed up by saying they were good!). Based on the main topic taught that day, I learned that relapsing users can quickly increase their limits and often combine different types of drugs. This stage of relapse is the problem. Most cases of suicide or gun-related crimes involve people at this stage of drug use. I had to write a very thorough Reflection Paper that day after the class since I had been the one to say they were good.
If you ask what we do week-to-week during the training, the schedule includes:
(1) Work Therapy
(2) Seminar and Autobiography
(3) SUD 101 (Substance Use Disorder 101)
(4) Journal Workshop
(5) Current Events
(6) Physical Fitness
(7) Weekend Overview
(8) Recreation Program
(9) Gender Group meeting
(10) House Group meeting
(11) Phase Group Meeting
(12) Small Group Meeting
(13) Special Group Meeting
(14) House Meeting
(15) NA/ CA/ CMA / AA
(16) Seeking Safety and Yoga
(17) Anger Management
(18) Relapse Prevention
(19) Skills Seminar (Life)
(20) Smoking Affect
(21) Nutrition
(22) Movies Review and Reflection
(23) Parenting Class
The above programs are held almost every week, and some programs are optional. For example, the Parenting Class is only for those with children. During that time, others may take Computer classes, Photography, or work out in the Gym. I did not attend these three classes. They said the Photography class was good, but I don't know what was good about it.
Similarly, the Special Group (SG) is not for every trainee. For example, during my training, if the teachers and other trainees noticed that I was exceptionally forgetful or easily angered, the teachers and counselors would form a Special Group with about five older trainees who had frequent contact with me. This group's purpose was to collaborate and scheme, like virtual lines, about who said what and who I was spending time with. The counselors also formed SGs for their schemes. By "scheme," I don't mean anything sinister. If they know you are angry or depressed due to your trauma, they intentionally make you uncomfortable and annoy you. How can I explain it? It is like giving you enough stress and trouble so that you don't have the time or energy to focus on your trauma. That is my opinion. I only later realized that it was done intentionally. I don't know exactly who was in that group or what they were told to do. I only understood it a little when I became an older trainee myself and noticed SGs being formed for the newcomers.
Weekend
Saturday
Normally on Saturday, a duty trainee will knock on your door shouting "First Cup" at 9:30 AM. First Cup is the first call for morning coffee. You quickly get up, grab coffee, and start your new day by drinking coffee and smoking in the garden while chatting.
At 9:55 AM, they shout "Second Cup," and will add "Don't be Late!"
At 10:00 AM, they serve Brunch, which combines breakfast and lunch. After eating, we have a short rest, or those who need to take medication go to the office, and some go back to their rooms.
At 11:00 AM, the Morning Family Meeting starts, led by the HC (House Coordinator).
The Agenda is:
Concepts
House Announcements/
Pullups
Strokes
Late Announcements
Staff Announcements
Counselor Request
Horoscope
Concept
Off the wall
Whatever
(1) House Announcement
These are announcements within the training center, such as: "The restroom on the left downstairs is temporarily closed," "The pool room is temporarily closed," "Do not walk on the downstairs path because it is painted," "Do not include pens when sending clothes for laundry," "Change the smoking area," etc.—things that concern everyone. After the respective coordinators for maintenance, kitchen, laundry, and cleaning have made their announcements, the coordinator introduces the new trainee who has arrived. They announce the new trainee's age, hobbies, drugs used, etc. As soon as the introduction is made, all the trainees clap to welcome them. This introduction must be done three times a day for 14 days during their probationary period. If a trainee wants to speak in the meeting, they must raise their hand, and after being called on by the HC, they must begin by saying "HC Good Morning Family" or "Good Evening Family."
Pullups
This is where you admit what mistakes you made. It is also where you call out by name if someone else's behavior is inappropriate. This is not meant to be a tattletale system; family spirit is important. You have to explain and point out the reasons. If you don't, it counts as a negative for you, and if you don't speak up, it is considered irresponsible. (There are eyes everywhere.)
Strokes
I may be mistaken about this title, but I will use the word "Strokes." This session is for giving thanks. People need to be active. Sometimes, if you don't have anything specific to be thankful for, you should speak up and thank the trainees who were responsible for this morning's breakfast. The point is not just in this session, but throughout the entire training period, striving to be an active participant can help you complete the training faster and open up other opportunities.
Late Announcement
This session is for raising your hand and speaking up if you remember something you wanted to say after the previous three sessions are over.
Staff Announcement
This session is for Management Announcements, such as: "Who will go where under whose supervision today," "What is happening," etc.
Counselor Request
This is quite important. The HC will call out the names of the Counselors, and if your Counselor's name is called, you raise your hand and say things like: "PI Phone call to my Social Worker," "PI phone call to my lawyer," or "PC time (Personal Computer) access," "Time for my TX's," "101 for my Auto," or "101 for my Tx2's." "101 for my Tx2's" is a request to ask your Counselor questions and receive the required tasks to move up to the Tx2's phase. Sometimes it takes about two weeks to get a 101 request granted. Sometimes, they don't allow you to answer the questions for a long time, which is largely related to your active cooperation. Getting an LE (Learning Experience/negative consequence) can delay your Q&A opportunity by about a week (as far as I know).
Horoscope
This session can be simply called the daily horoscope for the seven days of the week. In this program, when the HC calls on a trainee, that trainee comes forward and, before reading the daily newspaper's horoscope, writes a question on the White Board. For example, "What would you say if the person you want to talk to appears in front of you?" Then, let's say they read the horoscope for Monday. All the people born on Monday raise their hands and come forward one by one. As soon as they arrive, they say, "Good Morning Family," and then they can say whatever they want. They are not asked if they don't say anything; it is their own feelings. Some even share jokes.
Concept
I think this is where you share your idea or opinion. When the HC calls on a trainee in turn, that trainee must come forward and write an idea or opinion on the White Board. For example: "I am hoping for the best, but I am also preparing for the worst," or "Don’t Lie your self."
Off The Wall
I believe this session's actual purpose is to erase the White Board. The HC calls the name of a trainee in turn. That trainee goes up, slowly erases one word from the White Board, and returns. Most people follow suit and erase a little, so the HC erases the rest at the end.
Whatever
This session is simply "Whatever." Some come out and dance, sing, or write a concept—it's like "do whatever you want." When it was my turn, there was water for the HC and the teachers/counselors on the table. Normally, if you take water from there, you get an LE. Since I could recite the rules (over 100 of them) by heart, I asked, "Whatever (it's part of the Meeting, right)?" The HC smiled, knowing that the rule originated from the Meeting itself, so I just did a "Whatever" and drank the water...
