NCJ Number
197239
Journal
Crime Prevention and Community Safety: An International Journal Volume: 3 Issue: 4 Dated: 2001 Pages: 63-70
Date Published
2001
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the Reality project, a program directed at youthful drug and alcohol first-time offenders, which combats the rationalizations used by juveniles concerning the adverse consequences resulting from their abuse of drugs and alcohol.
Abstract
The Reality program, originating in the United States in 1991, goes beyond teaching facts and requires first-time drug and alcohol offenders, 14- to 21-years-old, to contemplate the possible negative outcomes of their behavior that have repercussions for their entire social circle. It combats the tendency of juveniles to ignore consequences of their behavior by making those consequences real through a variety of exercises. Data were collected from 229 Reality participants, from 1998 to 2000, to obtain an offender profile including long-term goals. The phenomenon of neutralization, or rationalization of deviant behavior using excuses, denials of responsibility, or denials of injury is discussed and as is the means of forcing participants to think about consequences such as listening to guest speakers who have endured the trauma and visualizing potential consequences. The legal benefits of referrals to Reality by judges are reviewed. The program's four-week sequence of events, including curriculum and homework, are detailed. A summary of the sample participant characteristics and long-term goals of this study is included. The theoretical foundation of the program, which is based on techniques of neutralization and self-control theory, makes it a curriculum worthy of implementation for youthful drug and alcohol abusers. However, it is noted that further research are needed to determine whether Reality participants recidivate at a rate greater than a randomized matched control group.