The Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment program celebrated its second largest graduating class since its inception – with seventy-two residents.
The ISUDT program helps to build ones understanding of attitudes, beliefs, thoughts, and feelings. The 14- week ‘Living In Balance’ and 28-week ‘Cognitive Behavior Therapy’ programs also incorporate consequential thinking, values and goals.
“The program helped me to grow,” said Fabian Salazar J. “I did not recognize the personal problems I had. ISUDT has helped me to resolve family problems that were caused by my abuse of drugs and alcohol,” the graduate said.
Many of the graduates had never participated in a cognitive behavioral therapy group prior to entering the program, according to program facilitators.
“At the beginning of the program the participants do not show their feelings,” said Stefanie Sanchez, an ISUDT group counselor. “As the days and weeks went by however, people began to express how they were feeling, and in some cases, they stopped using.”
The ISUDT program is designed to help people in recovery to recognize the harmful effects that drugs and alcohol can have on their lives.
“Once you have learned how the effects of substances and crime have led to incarceration, you can then manage your feelings, thoughts, and actions,” said Sanchez. “At the end of the day, you have a second chance, if you want it.”
Group counselor Stacy C, reiterated the ‘you have a second chance’ mantra as she congratulated the graduates. She reminded them how their communities affected by their choices and that today they have a clean slate.
“Through trauma and incarceration, you learned to hide your feelings, but through rehabilitation, you have learned how to manage life’s circumstances,” said Stacy C.
Warden Andes and Public Information Officer Lt. G. Berry attended the event. Warden Andes congratulated the graduates and spoke about his support of all rehabilitative programs.
“This is the way it is done here in San Quentin,” Andes said.
Resident Nehemiah Vasquez dedicated the song “Second Chance” to the group of graduates. Poet, Miguel Angel, wrote the song, but Vasquez added a melody to it.
Rehabilitative programming is fundamental in the San Quentin community.
“I have been incarcerated at San Quentin for four years. I took advantage of the many self-help groups I could participate in, and I have acquired many tools to help me to be a better person,” said graduate Armando Paez.
Graduates marched into San Quentin’s Garden Chapel wearing Black caps and gowns, as family, friends, and members of the administration, applauded.
Certified resident mentors for the Occupation Mentor Certification Program assist ISUDT staff with in-group facilitation.
“To provide a service, it is necessary to recognize your limits and to be resilient. You must first be able to admit your shortcomings and be willing to recognize and acknowledge them, by admitting how these things contributed to your being in prison,” said OMCP mentor Nathan Campbell.
“I could never repair the harm I caused my victims, but being given this opportunity means I have the tools necessary to make amends,” Campbell said.
