Motivated addicts are able to distinguish themselves with productive work, attaining increased rank, privileges, and responsibilities. Finally, as the 'more productive citizens' of the community work through their problems, they in turn become co-counselors who along with professional helpers aid those below themselves. A planned structure for each day is the vehicle for meaningful work and relatedness. Part of the day consists of maintaining the up-keep of 'the house' including such tasks as cooking, cleaning, and repairing. The afternoon consists of individual therapy, group therapy, and classes in a school setting.
Night time is for play and socializing.
Experience demonstrates that it takes approximately one year for the new addict to develop into a productive citizen of the house. There is no question that programs such as Odyssey House have been successful in re-educating the attitudes and behavior of a large number of drug abusers. However, it is also true, that scarcely a dent has been made in the overall drug problem with respect to treatment and prevention. The reasons behind these low ratings are to be found in the history of past failures. In the early 196O s the Federal Government sponsored a comprehensive rehabilitation program called the Riverside Program that had high hopes but failed to reach its expectations and closed in 1963.