Habilitat is a long term residential program built on the "Therapeutic Community" model. This approach is considered by experts to be the most effective method of treatment for substance abuse and chemical addictions. "Therapeutic Communities" are residential facilities in which residents achieve higher levels of responsibility and status by internalizing and practicing socially accepted behaviors. Individual commitments to the community and effective teamwork are emphasized. Senior residents and staff serve as role models for younger entrants
Induction
Crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana, Ecstasy, ice or crystal methamphetamine, alcohol, PCP, along with LSD and other hallucinogenics, are some of the substances that place prospective applicants into positions that force them to seek help. In many cases, previous attempts at rehabilitating anti-social behavior have failed because the treatment provided was insufficient. In other instances, the applicant has been required to seek treatment by judicial decree. Whether through the intervention of friends, family, or the courts, the common denominator among those seeking our help is almost always an inability to manage one's life.
All inquiries regarding admission are directed to our induction department. The induction team conducts seminars and informal engagements for schools, clubs, and various correctional facilities on request. Highly experienced individuals who act as the first point of contact for applicants or their representatives staff this department. Because substance abusers rarely decide to seek help on their own, Habilitat's induction team is usually first contacted by distressed family members or friends. In some cases the referral is made by an outside agency, such as the courts, counselors, social workers, etc.
Treatment phase
Habilitat utilizes two very wonderful, ancient Hawaiian traditions in its treatment phase: "the `ohana" and "ho`oponopono." Both have love as their foundation. The first tradition, known today as the "extended family,"can include relatives, friends, or foster families who help when the biological parents cannot handle the child for one reason or another. When you really love someone, you do whatever you can to help him or her. The second tradition, "ho`oponopono," is Habilitat's "family meeting," where gripes are aired or discussed, thereby creating better communication between family members or friends.
Most prospective residents come into Habilitat because they lack purpose and meaning in their lives. They are often emotionally immature and cannot cope with day-to-day pressures, anxieties, and disappointments. In the "treatment phase,"these residents are taught a new way to deal with their feelings. They are given tools and concepts, and most importantly, concern from others who understand. From the examples set by others, it becomes clear that a new life is possible for anyone who makes use of what is offered. The program can work for anyone.
Re-Entry phase
Much of the structure found in treatment is slowly eliminated. Everyone in re-entry receives on-the-job training in one of Habilitat's numerous departments, such as construction, sales, public relations, landscaping, motor pool, administration, computer training, accounting, medical, and food service. This vocational training is one of the reasons Habilitat is one of the most successful organization of its kind. The residents are not only prepared for society and its demands emotionally, but also prepared in a vocational sense as well.
Post Re Entry phase
The post re-entry phase is designed to prevent "culture shock" upon graduation from the program. During this phase, residents begin to enter the mainstream of society. First in small groups, and then on their own. They begin to get involved with the community by attending mandatory AA meetings as well as establishing other support groups. In addition, they have the option to pursue a higher education. Clinical controls are lessened, and the residents make more sound decisions regarding their future: goals, education, and an occupation on their own