They tell of their anger towards their parents,the urge to run from responsibility,the pain of trying to share their emotions with others, and the difficulty of even admitting to having a drug problem. Most of the youths were introduced to drugs by schoolmates or other friends,who often remained their chief suppliers. Designed for those in their early teens through early 20`s,the state-licenced program isolates clients from outside influences during the initial treatment phase. A newcomer is prohibited from reciving mail or phone calls and must live with the family of another youth involved in a latter stage of treatment. Some graduates stay on as paid "peer staff," assisting the professional staff of psychologists and drug abuse counselors.
