In this clean and sober environment, each client passes through distinct phases before completing the program. The first month is devoted to selfevaluation and awareness; the second month is spent planning the future; and the last month is devoted to putting that plan into action. It’s important to know that the design of the Primary Program is a common thread that is woven throughout all of Project Ninety’s programs.

The program helps people learn how to handle the stress of everyday living without drinking or using drugs. A person learns about recovery through individual and group counseling with a strong emphasis on peer support. One is also introduced to functioning in social situations such as dances, sporting events, and excursions, and he or she learns how to have fun without being high.

Project Ninety conducts a weekly Family Group to include family members in the person’s recovery process. Family Group is an integral part of Project Ninety’s balanced approach to treatment. Family members — from spouses and children to parents and siblings — learn what the person is going through and how to create an environment at home that supports recovery. Lines of communication, often never there to begin with, are created or strengthened. Together, the person and their family can work to break the cycle of addiction and alleviate further decay of the family structure.

There are consequences of poor communication skills. Most addicts and alcoholics often alienate family members. They also have a tendency to respond to stressful situations with violence. A person in their addiction often abuses and/or neglects the ones they love because he or she does not know how to express themself in a healthy fashion. Someone with positive communication skills is less volatile and can create an environment that is more beneficial for themself, their family, their employer, and their community. Through Project Ninety’s positive role modeling, people learn to implement the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

One person’s recovery has exponential results. An example could be a man or woman taking their business back, assisting their spouse with the responsibilities of the family, creating a stable and supportive environment for their children, who will begin to do better in school. This person becomes a role model for others who might follow their lead into recovery. The domestic violence calls to the home disappear. This person becomes involved in recovery and gives back to the community he or she once burdened.

What the future holds...

Project Ninety expanded its Primary Program to Santa Clara County in 2004 and now has the capacity to serve 146 people. Through expansion to Napa County in 2005, Project Ninety will have the capacity to serve at least 175 men, women, and adolescents in residential substance abuse treatment and detoxification services. To meet this increased need, Project Ninety will require additional resources to purchase and operate its own free-standing facility by 2010.

Eli: Project Ninety Alumnus, 2003

Eli describes living in a dark tunnel, where all that had been taught to him — morals, values, self respect, family and religion — was lost in the darkness. “With the guidance of Project Ninety I am able to accept my feelings,” he says. He is now able to work on his fears and other issues “that were undetected in the dark.” He is able to forgive
himself, as well as to love himself. “I am grateful to Project Ninety that I got back what I lost in the dark — my wife, my kids,my self respect, and most of all, my love for the Lord.” In his Samoan words, “Viia pea lea suafa ole atua, amene.”