To find programs, call your city or county substance abuse or mental
health agency, hospitals, schools, local hotlines listed in the yellow
pages, and the hotlines listed previously. It is best to visit
prospective programs and to talk with people who have completed the
program.
This section lists several unique national adolescent programs that
illustrate the wide diversity of long-term intensive treatment
programs available at low cost.
PALMER DRUG ABUSE PROGRAM (PDAP). PDAP is a free program supported by
private donations and located mainly in southwestern, western, and
midwestern States. It accepts out-of-town clients. It is a long-term
out-patient counseling program with daycare capability based on the 12
steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). It uses recuperating users as peer
counselors. The program also maintains parent groups that may be
attended by parents who do not have children in the PDAP program.
National Office: 3300 North A Street, Building 8, Suite 204, Midland,
TX 79705. Telephone (915) 687-4311.
STRAIGHT INC. Located in selected States, primarily in the East and
Midwest, the program accepts out-of-town clients. The program is a
long term, highly structured outpatient program based on the 12 steps
of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). During the early phase of the program,
the new client lives in the home of another child advanced in the
program. This family system provides positive role modeling, close
supervision, and a 24-hour, drug-free environment at low cost.
National Office: Straight Inc. National Training and Development
Center, 3001 Gandy Blvd., P.O. Box 21686, St. Petersburg, FL 33742.
Telephone (813) 576-8929.
TEEN CHALLENGE. This Christian-oriented residential program has
facilities across the country and overseas. It serves young people
with a variety of behavior problems besides drug use. Occupational
skills are taught. National Office: Teen Challenge Training Center,
Inc., P.O. Box 198, Rehrersburg, PA 19550. Telephone (717) 933-4181.