Bridges of New York programs offer a continuum of care with the ultimate goal of reversing the cycle of substance abuse that produces disregard for others and self-destructive behavior.

This continuum is individually tailor-made to meet the client where he is RIGHT NOW and help him transform his decision-making process before he returns to the same environment that helped precipitate incarceration in the first place. Because of various sentencing guidelines, the best results may be achieved by treatment within the prison through in-prison programs. These programs are located inside state-run prison facilities or in separate housing provided by the institution.

Services range from Basic Drug Education to intensive, one-year Modified Therapeutic Communities. Therapeutic Residential Communities are controlled, peer-driven environments that are six months in length. Services include: Therapeutic Group and Individual Counseling, Life-Management Skills, Employment Skills Classes, Community Work Release Programs, and Relapse Prevention/Recovery Maintenance.

The After Care program is designed to serve individuals who need limited supervision, yet are still connected to a community of motivated peers, counselors, support groups and organizations. Once a client has completed the Bridge program and re-entered society (from either a Residential Center or a prison), the Bridge continues to offer these clients treatment on a voluntary basis. This allows the clients to retain their support and promote success while already back in society. Typical Bridge clients are substance abusers who have committed a non-violent felony in some way related to drug abuse. They are typically unemployed and require employment counseling.

Some specific goals of the programs include:

• Educating clients about the effects of chemical dependency and identifying the underlying cause of addiction.
• Challenging criminal thinking and destructive behavior patterns.
• Increasing the clients awareness of alternatives to substance abuse and the benefits of sobriety.
• Teaching clients to identify thoughts, behaviors and situations that trigger drug use.
• Assisting clients in the development of relapse prevention plans.
  
• Encouraging links to the community, including community- based referrals and, especially,
  connections to a church family.