Better Living without Chemistry Some Program Alternatives to Drug Abuse

Abstract

The paper described the conceptual underpinnings of two community based programs designed to serve drug users and abusers. Differences and similarities between the two programs, which are located in distinctly different socio-economic neighborhoods, are explored. The authors describe through actual excerpts from case material how the programs work, and the key role of young people as primary helping agents. Both are multi-modality programs. One is designed as a therapeutic community project, while the other uses a community building model. The authors examine some core issues in both programs and discuss the implications of these concerns.