California Drug Counseling | Success Stories

Success Stories

Since 1977, California Drug Counseling Inc. (CADC) has provided education, counseling and support to individuals with alcohol and substance abuse problems. While we focus on meeting the needs of hard-to-reach, difficult and underserved populations in Los Angeles County, our clients come from all walks of life: incarcerated and paroled youth and adults; the developmentally disabled; individuals with mental health disorders; pregnant adolescents; blue collar workers; and degreed professionals.

All of our treatment plans are individualized to meet the needs and abilities of the client. Through the years, we have helped thousands of individuals to gain the tools and techniques they need to move from substance abuse and self-medication to a sober, drug-free lifestyle that allows them to embrace life and thrive.

The following is a sampling of our client* success stories. They demonstrate our proven track record in assisting substance abusers to successfully rehabilitate. Our ability to provide alcohol and drug education and counseling and related services will grow, with your help.

Al came to CADC via the court system due to a possession charge, and was required to receive treatment for 18 months through the Prop 36 Program. He entered treatment with reluctance, resentment and addicted to speed. Al had lost his home, family, job and direction. He was on probation and homeless. During his year of treatment, Al began to heal. With individual and group counseling, he was able to address his problems, make changes and start to live substance free. Today, Al is clean and sober, reunited with his children, and working. He facilitates many 12-step programs. Al stops in to visit at CADC and is full of smiles, hope and serenity.

Joseph came to CADC through the court system and Prop 36. He thought he was too intelligent, too educated (Ph.D.) and too evolved to be in treatment, but his alternative was jail or prison time. Because Joseph is gay, CADC—which is gay and lesbian friendly—was the logical choice for his treatment. During his treatment, Joseph, with help from his counselor and peers, was able to break down the barriers that were preventing him from leading a sober, fulfilling life. Today he is clean and sober, free from his addiction to speed and back to teaching full-time. He has become instrumental in offering assistance in our HIV Prevention Program and has opened doors to the gay community, helping our Health Educator provide HIV prevention services to this high-risk population. Joseph also remains connected with CADC through the Aftercare Program and is on the Speaker Circuit throughout Los Angeles County, touting Drug/Alcohol Prevention Techniques and HIV harm reduction.

Bruce was referred to CADC thru the Los Angeles Regional Center. He was in a lockdown mental health facility, with drug and alcohol abuse and schizophrenia. Bruce also is marginally mentally retarded. Bruce’s treatment at CADC included individual sessions; daycare habilitative group sessions three times a week; and collateral visits consisting of monthly and quarterly meetings between Bruce and his family, doctors, psychologists and other support members. With the aid of all parties, Bruce has been able to move safely from the lockdown facility to a group home. He is clean and sober, attends an Adult Day Program and holds a job with the Salvation Army. His success comes from his determination to move forward in a less restrictive residential setting, constant reinforcement of Prevention Techniques, and reminders of the consequences that arise from substance abuse. Bruce, his support network and CADC continue to work together to assure the ongoing success of his drug/alcohol-free life.

Bridget was referred to CADC thru the court system. She had been arrested for possession and being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bridget was ordered to receive drug and alcohol treatment for 12 months from a certified drug and alcohol clinic. As CADC is listed as a Community Based Organization vendor with the Superior Courts, Bridget was referred to our clinic. She presented with a myriad of symptoms including substance abuse, legal issues, family problems, negative peer group and low self-esteem; she also was developmentally disabled. While in treatment, Bridget learned to recognize her feelings, change her thinking and find sober friends. She was able to reconcile with her family, remain clean and sober and attend a 12-step program on a regular basis. Today, Bridget is aware of her triggers, practices prevention techniques and has a sponsor. She walks taller, is able to validate herself and has released the chains of co-dependency.

Maggie arrived at CADC pregnant, drug addicted, homeless and terrified. She had been living in shelters and on the street for five months. CADC counselors worked with other outside agencies to refer Maggie to a social worker and medical doctor, and found her a safe place to live (a Maternity Home). With a firm foundation in place, this young mother-to-be began drug and alcohol treatment at CADC on a regular schedule. While in treatment, Maggie began to build on this foundation and demonstrated willingness to learn prevention techniques, job skills, parenting and self-sufficiency. Once all of these elements came together, Maggie gained self-confidence and sobriety, and became a responsible woman. With the support of her counselors, community and church, Maggie is now living in her own apartment, raising her child and working full time. CADC staff members remain in contact with Maggie and look forward to her visits to CADC with her baby.

Fred was a teenager who arrived at CADC with a long list of problems—he had been arrested for shoplifting, had a history of drug and alcohol experimentation, was on the verge of expulsion from high school due to truancy, and had gang affiliation. Fred’s treatment plan required five-day-a-week attendance, for a minimum of three hours a day. While in the CADC Youth Program, he received counseling on drug and alcohol education and anger management, and had his own mentor and homework tutor. Fred spent many hours each week in one-on-one counseling with his own primary counselor. He also participated in group therapy, sex education classes and recreation sessions. Today, Fred is employed at a well-known restaurant as a chef, having graduated from high school and culinary arts college. His goal is to own a restaurant. Fred visits CADC occasionally, bringing tasty treats he has created. Of course, we look forward to his visits.

* The names used in these success stories are fictitious, however the events are real.