Bridges of New York programs offer a
continuum of care with the ultimate goal of reversing the
cycle of substance abuse that produces disregard for others
and self-destructive behavior. This continuum is individually
tailor-made to meet the client where he is RIGHT NOW and help
him transform his decision-making process before he returns
to the same environment that helped precipitate incarceration
in the first place.
Because of various sentencing guidelines, the best results
may be achieved by treatment within the prison through in-prison
programs. These programs are located inside state-run prison
facilities or in separate housing provided by the institution.
Services range from Basic Drug Education to intensive, one-year
Modified Therapeutic Communities.
Therapeutic Residential Communities are controlled, peer-driven
environments that are six months in length. Services include:
Therapeutic Group and Individual Counseling, Life-Management
Skills, Employment Skills Classes, Community Work Release
Programs, and Relapse Prevention/Recovery Maintenance.
The After Care program is designed to serve individuals who
need limited supervision, yet are still connected to a community
of motivated peers, counselors, support groups and organizations.
Once a client has completed the Bridge program and re-entered
society (from either a Residential Center or a prison), the
Bridge continues to offer these clients treatment on a voluntary
basis. This allows the clients to retain their support and
promote success while already back in society.
Typical Bridge clients are substance abusers who have committed
a non-violent felony in some way related to drug abuse. They
are typically unemployed and require employment counseling.
Some specific goals of the programs include:
• Educating clients about the effects of chemical dependency
and identifying the underlying cause of addiction.
• Challenging criminal thinking and destructive behavior
patterns.
• Increasing the clients’ awareness of alternatives
to substance abuse and the benefits of sobriety.
• Teaching clients to identify thoughts, behaviors and
situations that trigger drug use.
• Assisting clients in the development of relapse prevention
plans.
• Encouraging links to the community, including community-
based referrals and, especially, connections to a church family.
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