The use of substances has become one of the most acute problems of contemporary society.
The LIMIT experiences, on the borderline of what is accepted by society, are very tempting for youth as they help them to better test their limits and possibilities.
The desire for affirmation, age-related terribleness, imitation, curiosity and the need to belong to a group are just some of the causes that lead to the use of substances.
Thus, in order to assist the subjects of probation who have problems related to use of substances, the probation bodies have implemented the following probation programs:
- Program for reducing substances abuse (PRSA)
The program was developed in Norway and is individual cognitive-behavioral therapy, which contributes to change in the rehabilitation process of people who are substance abusers.
The goal of the program is to facilitate the process of change by developing confidence in the person's ability to be in control of his/her own life and motivating him/her to change his/her habit of substances abuse.
The PRSA purposes:
- to give the person the experience of being heard, understood and respected;
- to make the person reflect on his/her situation and on substances abuse;
- to reduce and prevent further possible episodes of substances abuse;
- to facilitate further work and action towards change.
The structure of the program: presession, three basic sessions and one or more sessions additional sessions
Each session can last about 45 minutes, but it is advisable to have 60 minutes if necessary. The sessions can be held weekly if it is possible.
The pre-session is a brief information and mapping conversation to determine if the PRSA is to be implemented. If following the presession it is determined that PRSA will be initiated, then Sessions 1, 2 and 3 will be held.
Within the Session 1, the probation counsellor together with the person concerned discusses a situation where the person has used substances, applying the methodology of increasing self-efficacy. The aim is to understand the causes that provoke and maintain the use of substances.
In the Session 2, the person's attitude to change is explored more generally. Personal resources and strategies for possible change are also discussed.
Within the Session 3, the methodology of increasing self-efficacy is used and a situation is explored where the person could have used substances but has chosen to abstain. The fact that an episode is highlighted in which the person was able to gain control of the situation and took appropriate action helps to strengthen this experience of control the situation.
After completion of this series of basic sessions, one or more additional sessions will be carried out. The aim of these is to deal with the current problems and challenges that have emerged during the basic sessions.
The additional session(s) may be conducted as "triangle sessions", where other contacts or collaborators may be invited.
The basic condition for all sessions is the common understanding that change takes place in a process that is not led by the counsellor, but by the person concerned. This understanding is compatible with the session methodology.
- Program for rehabilitation "Drink & Drive"
The main purpose of a rehabilitation program is to reduce the recidivism rate of drunk driving and increase traffic safety.
The phenomenon of drink driving is a major problem in the Republic of Moldova and with the implementation of the Program “Drink & Drive”, we contribute to reducing this problem.
The program “Drink & Drive” will be implemented in a judicial setting by probation counsellors who have been trained as trainers.
The target group: participants are men and women who have been arrested for drunk driving. In addition to participating in the program, they are also subject to judicial sanctions such as unpaid community service and driving license suspension.
This program gives them the opportunity to improve their attitude towards safe behavior in traffic and to improve their behavioral intention. In particular, the program focuses on increasing awareness and understanding of unsafe traffic behavior, strengthening knowledge and developing strategies and skills to prevent drink driving.
The structure of the rehabilitation program: 10 sessions, of which 2 sessions are visits to the Forensic Medicine Centre and the Institute of Emergency Medicine.
The aim of each session is to make the beneficiaries aware of the risks of drink driving, the harmful effects of alcohol, the development of social skills and social human values.
