Wanted: Narcotics Anonymous

Introduction
Methamphetamines and Marijuana drug use is on rise and increasing at a fast pace in our country (Meth Strike Force, 2004). It is affecting every aspect of crime, and impacting communities, families and the youths in the United States. Although methamphetamine use is at an all time high with juveniles in this county, there is no treatment program or prevention plan at our local Juvenile Hall Detention Center.

Statement of Need
There was a strong need for juvenile hall to have Narcotics Anonymous meet with the detainees. A study completed by The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2001) (as cited by Roberts, 2002), found that “Approximately 12.3 million Americans age 12 and older reported trying methamphetamine at least once during their lifetimes, representing 5.2% of the population” (p 7). The Healthy Kids Survey reported by the Meth Strike Force in Oroville (2005), stated that 5% of 11th graders, 3% of ninth graders, and 35% of continuation students claimed using methamphetamine at least once. The survey asked the same participants, in the same order, if they had used in the last thirty days, and respectively 2%, 1%, and 17% answered yes. California Alcohol and Drug Data Systems, as cited by Meth Strike Force (2005), reported numbers as high as 50% related to methamphetamine drug use, with a 21% use of alcohol out of the 2,530 people surveyed.

After informally talking to youths in the local detention center, it became apparent that there is a problem with drug use. According to all the youths I talked with more than 75% of them have tried marijuana and methamphetamines and have done so on a daily to weekly bases (personal communication, October 22, 2005).

Supervisor 1 who has been employed with juvenile hall, for over 18 years related that there is a drug problem with the youth at this facility (personal communication, October 22, 2005). He stated that over 70% of the population at juvenile hall has a drug problem. The most popular drugs appear to be marijuana, methamphetamines, cocaine, and PCP.

Minor 2, who presently is serving one year sentence in juvenile hall reported to the student that she did have a marijuana problem and used methamphetamines (meth) to keep her weight down (personal communication October 22, 2005). She stated that she planned to do methamphetamines to lose weight when she is released from jail.

Currently Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.) does not provide services to the local juvenile hall. The goal is to have N.A. teach education, prevention and help rehabilitate the youths incarcerated in this facility.

The interviews revealed the primary obstacle in N.A. attending are listed below.
1) Required tuberculosis shots/tests
2) Required background checks/fingerprints
3) Better communication between the agencies
4) Funding for gas or bus passes for N.A. leaders

Description of the Intervention
I meet with the head of Narcotics Anonymous in person and via phone conversation an over a period of two months. I was told of the obstacles they were facing and met with juvenile hall officials to discuss them. I was cleared to by juvenile hall to have background checks and tuberculosis shots done. The juvenile hall funded these two tests for N.A. members. Gasoline funds were not collected as local gasoline stations declined to help out due to high gasoline prices. I was told by N.A. a few weeks later that gasoline and bus transfers to juvenile hall would not be need and that N.A. would be covering this issue.

Narcotics Anonymous has been attending juvenile hall every other week for the last four weeks. After a few meetings with N.A., juveniles reported to understand the importance of drug education. They started to understand the side effects that can emotionally and physically do to their bodies. They also learned that N.A. offers meeting outside the juvenile hall that they can attend on weekly bases at no cost to them.

Evaluation
Due to the program just getting started, I feel that at this time there is no need for an evaluation until or after a 120 days test trial. I have interviewed staff and detainees and asked for their opinion via personal communication. They have reported to me that N.A. has had no missed appointments and there are no problems to be reported at this time. I will do an evaluation on or about July 31, 2006 and hope to be employed with this facility by that date. The staff at this facility appeared very pleased to have N.A. attending juvenile hall.

Reflections on the Project
I am very pleased to have my senior project completed with few problems. The youth and N.A. appears to be very happy with how the program is running over the last 30 days. I have successfully assisted in getting required background checks, required tuberculosis test, and assisting juvenile hall and N.A. to communicate on a weekly bases.

The only problem I had was the gasoline and bus transportation. With gasoline prices at an all time high there was no one that would donate at this time. I then found out that the need for this goal to be completed was not necessary. I have learned that this area has a drug abuse problem and does include both juveniles and adults. In the near future, I would like to see more programs for juveniles with drug abuse issues, education and prevention. I would also like to see some kind of in home education that is taught in the home for parents and children.

References
Meth Strike Force, (2005). 1-8.Retrieved September 20, 2005 from
http://2stopmeth.org/main.php?pg=stats
Roberts, A.,R., (2002). An overview of juvenile justice and juvenile delinquency cases, definitions, trends, and intervention strategies. Retrieved September 30, 2005 from www.U.S.DepartmentofJustice.officeofjusticeprograms/gov.pdf
U.S. Department of Justice, (2002). Children at Risk. Retrieved September 20, 2005 from http://2stopmeth.org/mainphp?pg=methinfo
Wei, Z., Makkai, T., & McGregor K. (2003). Drug use among a sample of juvenile detainees. Australian Institute of Criminology, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia. P. 1-6. Retrieved September, 2005 from http://www.aic.gov.au