The measure requires treatment rather than time behind bars for those convicted for the first or second time of being under the influence of drugs or possessing drugs for personal use. But it's not enough to clear the state's already lengthy waiting lists for treatment, and experts fear much of the money won't go to the most effective programs. The new law, which goes into effect July 1, doesn't specify what type of treatment offenders receive, and Canter and others believe that most will be directed to outpatient programs, which are less expensive but also generally less effective than residential programs. Leonard prays towards Mecca on Jan. 30 at Walden House. He is Muslim and must find time to pray five times a day.
Addiction is an equalizer.
All say they want to jettison their destructive habits. Walden House helps by making the roughly 100 clients follow a structured routine. It's 6 o'clock. Walden House does operate as a family. Because many addicts come from dysfunctional families, Walden House tries to teach what being family really means.