WAILUA — Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center in Wailua offers a program to inmates designed for recovery from drug or alcohol addition. The “Freedom to Change” Level II Substance Abuse Program follows the format of the Federal Bureau of Prisons Residential
WAILUA — Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center in Wailua offers a program to inmates designed for recovery from drug or alcohol addition.
The “Freedom to Change” Level II Substance Abuse Program follows the format of the Federal Bureau of Prisons Residential and Drug Abuse Treatment Program.
Facilitator Tali McCall designed the program for the Salvation Army with assistance from the Department of Public Safety seven years ago. She refers to “Freedom to Change” as a collaborative effort on the parts of not only inmates but the staff on site who refer inmates to the program, which can take up to a year to complete.
In jail it includes three sections followed by an aftercare weekly meeting for those who have completed their 80-hour commitment. Once inmates are released they attend a weekly continuum of care meeting for support on the outside.
“Continuum of care is probably the most important component,” McCall said. “In a controlled environment there’s structure. Until you get out and apply the knowledge, you don’t know how you’ll do.”
Graduate of the program Troy Morikawa of Lihu‘e had a history of failed recovery attempts.
“I went through three treatment facilities before jail,” Morikawa said. “Jail is what finally made me realize something needed to change.”
Morikawa was released in October. Since his release he’s been attending the aftercare meetings. McCall acts as facilitator for both programs.
“If (inmates) go through all phases the success rate is over half stay clean.” she said. “But they have to follow through.”
The continuum of care group focuses on creating a bridge between the inmate’s release and their community in order to build on positive relationships. Transitioning from jail presents different obstacles and this group provides support and problem-solving. Once an inmate has completed the continuum of care/aftercare, they receive a clinical discharge from the program. Morikawa estimates his discharge will be in early summer.
“The aftercare is usually nine to 18 months but they can stay for years,” McCall said. “It’s open ended. We’ve had people come back after a death in the family or a divorce. They come back for the support.”
McCall said once on the outside the challenge to stay clean intensifies because of past peer influences and day-to-day challenges.
A participant in the program was struggling to care for his elderly mother.
“We found someone to come in and help him for six months,” McCall said. “Just to be there at night or to take her shopping.”
The size of the group fluctuates as graduates of the program are released. There are presently 13 participants in the aftercare program. Since this fourth section of the program began six years ago there have been five groups.
McCall said one reason for the program’s success is it deals with individual and family issues — not just the substance abuse. Inmates actively participate in their own recovery.
“They take ownership,” she said. “They know they are the most important part. The key is they mentor each other.”
While in jail Morikawa said he had a lot of time to reflect on his life.
“All my life when there was a fork in the road, I wanted to take the easy route — drugs and alcohol,” he said. “One moment I decided there’s nothing anyone else can do to help me. I got a year in here and I am going to change my way of thinking.”
Morikawa attends the weekly aftercare, has started going back to school and participates in another recovery program.
“Aftercare is more laid back and supportive,” he said. “Talking takes the power out of (problems). Talking helps me identify my triggers.”
McCall organizes outings such as bowling, beach trips and potlucks for the aftercare group. The program provides a safe and supportive place for a smoother transition into the community once released from KCCC.
“Being born and raised here the community views me as a drug addict,” Morikawa said. “I think it’s good that Tali has this program to transition out — to be with people who went through what you went through.”
• Pam Woolway, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 257 or pwoolway@kauaipubco.com
