AREA PROGRAM FOR METH ADDICTS WINS STATE AWARD

The state recently recognized a drug-treatment program in Van Buren and
Cass counties for its innovation and collaboration.

New Directions: Van Buren County Methamphetamine Treatment Program
received a second-place Michigan Department of Community Health Director's
Award to Local Public Health Departments.

The program was started five years ago to treat the then-growing
methamphetamine problem. Currently it is treating about 40 court clients
who have a variety of addiction issues. Ninety-four people have graduated
from the program.

"We were pleasantly surprised to get the award," said Candas Ziemba,
director of substance-abuse services for the Van Buren/Cass County
District Health Department.

The program, which was developed by the Hazelden Foundation, consists of
group meetings that focus on cognitive-behavior therapy and individual
counseling for at least a year. Those who graduate from the program have
only a 9.5 percent rate of rearrest.

Through the cognitive-behavior approach, the program tries to change the
way clients think about drug addiction and their communities, Ziemba said.

"For example, they may think I'm not hurting anybody but myself, but we
tell them their behavior affects you, your family and the community," she
said. "We try to get them focused on the bigger picture, not just
themselves."

The program also has strict policies about participation, including jail
sanctions for not going to therapy. That policy is tougher than even the
local drug-court program's policy, which requires community-service work
for missed treatment, Ziemba said.

"We can't treat them if they're not here," she said. "We rarely have
no-shows, because they know they're going to jail if they don't come."

The award, announced earlier this month, came with a $3,000 prize, which
was used to purchase hats, gloves and blankets for health-department
clients.