CLASS LEARNS LESSONS AT LOCAL DRUG, ALCOHOL REHAB CENTER

Many students would think there is nothing exceptional about a weekend
at Duke that includes a few games of Beirut in section or a Long
Island iced tea at Shooters.

But for the residents of the Triangle Residential Options for
Substance Abusers, a substance abuse recovery program housed on
several campuses in Durham, a single drink is the first step in a
downward spiral of addiction.

This past Saturday, students in the psychology class "Alcohol: Brain,
Individual and Society" visited the therapeutic community to get a
first-hand look at the reality of addiction.

Amir Rezvani, associate research professor of psychiatry, has been
using visits to TROSA as an educational resource for 10 years.

"In class, we talk about theories of addiction, but here, students can
put a face on addiction," Rezvani said. "It's an amazing place."

Students were greeted by staff members who are also former addicts and
graduates of the TROSA program.

"Almost everyone that you see working here is not a staff member,"
said tour guide Ashley, who wanted his last name and the last names of
others involved in TROSA to remain confidential. "Who's really running
the place? The residents are."

Ashley, a former cocaine addict and a graduate of TROSA, explained how
the program helped him in recovery and how it continues to help its
450 current residents through vocational training, education, peer
counseling and aftercare.

Although the program is free, residents are required to work six days
a week in one of TROSA's several on-site businesses, which vary from a
moving company to a frame shop. TROSA also encourages participants to
explore educational options.

"We have a huge GED program," Ashley said. "Some residents even take
classes at Durham Tech."

But the real education at TROSA comes in the form of life skills that
help participants deal with their addictions.

"I look at it as a way to build up tolerance for everyday life," said
Selena, a former heroin addict and graduate of the program.

Students got a chance to interact with residents one-on-one in
interview sessions that allowed them to hear personal stories of
addiction and recovery.

Dorothy, a crack-cocaine addict who has been in the program for 20
months, candidly discussed her personal struggles.

"When I came here I was 105 pounds, and I didn't have any teeth," she
said. "My children asked me to come, and something just clicked. I
needed to get well."

Despite the gritty stories, several students said they were touched by
the program and its participants.

"I think it's really impressive that people who were so messed up when
they first came here are now completely functional," sophomore Mia
Bolling said. "I think it really speaks to the success of the program."

Although many students had never heard of TROSA before, the University
has played a role in the program since its inception in 1994.
Currently, Duke medical professionals voluntarily provide healthcare
on Wednesday evenings, and students tutor residents on a regular basis.

"You guys can get involved and make a difference in people's lives,"
said Ty, another TROSA graduate. "Lives are being changed here on a
daily basis."

Although students were encouraged by TROSA staff to get involved in
the program, they were also warned that nobody is immune to the
dangers of addiction.

"A drug addict could be sitting next to you, and you'd never know it,"
Ashley said. "It's like your friend who goes out and parties like a
rock star on the weekends and then throws himself into classes and
exams during the week. All that is is a functioning addict."

Rezvani said he hopes that his students will walk away with, if
nothing else, a memorable experience.

"I think the two things these students will remember about Duke is
basketball and this," he said.