Development of an Aboriginal offender substance abuse program

Following development work in the spring and summer of 2004, the Aboriginal firm Ancestral Visions of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory in Ontario, in cooperation with the Prairie region's Aboriginal Substance Abuse Program, provided the CSC with a revised substance abuse program that enhanced contemporary approaches to substance abuse treatment with traditional Aboriginal teachings. The AOSAP takes a holistic approach to substance abuse programming by focusing on the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of addiction as well as on the impact of addiction on offender's lives. Objectives of the program are to build awareness, motivation, skill enhancement, and spiritual connection. The 16-week program consists of four modules: (1) module I presents the traditional values and goals fundamental to Aboriginal culture and healing; (2) module II introduces the concept of trauma and the triggers associated with substance use and addictions; (3) module III focuses on the history and impact of substance abuse within Aboriginal communities; and (4) module IV presents the concepts of relapse prevention and planning. The AOSAP program incorporates a comprehensive research component to evaluate program effectiveness and provide recommendations for further refinement of the program. A research advisory group of Aboriginal experts provides guidance for the research process. The first cycle of the AOSAP program was completed in 5 regions with approximately 40 offenders in the spring of 2005. A second program cycle began in May 2005 at two sites and the other three sites began their second program cycle in the fall of 2005. Third and final program cycles are to begin in the fall of 2006. Prior to national implementation, an external evaluation is planned. 7 notes