NCJ Number
62538
Date Published
1979
Length
55 pages
Annotation
THEORETICALLY SUPPORTED MODELS FOR CONTINUING CARE IN THE REINTEGRATION OF FORMER STREET DRUG ABUSERS INTO CONVENTIONAL SOCIETY ARE DISCUSSED.
Abstract
STREET DRUG USE IS A PATTERN OF ILLICIT USE ACCOMPANIED BY SOCIALLY DISAPPROVED ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS DRUG DEALING, BURGLARY, PIMPING, AND PROSTITUTION. THE MODELS PROPOSED DESCRIBE EFFECTIVE MEANS BY WHICH THOSE LABELED AS STREET DRUG ABUSERS CAN BE REHABILITATED TO CONFORM TO ACCEPTED LIVING PATTERNS. AVAILABLE EVIDENCE SUPPORTS THE CONTENTION THAT CONFORMITY TO THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE CONVENTIONAL SOCIAL ORDER IS ACHIEVED THROUGH STRONG BONDS OF COMMITMENT, INVOLVEMENT, AND ATTACHMENT BETWEEN AN INDIVIDUAL AND THOSE WHO REPRESENT ACCEPTED VALUES AND LIVING STYLES. FOR STREET DRUG USERS, THE ASSOCIATION AND REWARDS OF STREET LIFE PROVIDE BONDS TO THIS DEVIANT WORLD OF STREET DRUG ABUSE ARE WEAK AND VULNERABLE. THE SUGGESTED MODELS PROPOSE REPLACEMENT OF THESE WITH STRONGER BONDS OF ATTACHMENT TO THE APPROVED SOCIAL ORDER. THE MODELS REQUIRE THE PARTICIPATION OF COMMUNITY GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS IN WORKING WITH EX-ABUSERS TO (1) DEVELOP SKILLS FOR SOCIAL FUNCTIONING IN ENVIRONMENTS WHERE THEY WILL BE PRACTICED; (2) FIND AND CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTICIPATION IN CONVENTIONAL ACTIVITIES WHICH PROVIDE A SENSE OF USEFULNESS, COMPETENCE, PERSONAL POWER, AND BELONGING; AND (3) PROVIDE PRIMARY SOCIAL SUPPORTS FOR MAINTAINING 'STRAIGHT' LIVES. IN THESE MODELS, STAFF ACT PRIMARILY AS CONSULTANTS AND SUPPORTERS FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO SERVE AS THE REINTEGRATION AGENTS. NOTES AND REFERENCES ARE PROVIDED. (RCB)