Overview

This curriculum is presented in the East Lodge (for beginner students). The concepts of paradigms, paradigm shifts and paradigm paralysis are explored first in general, and then applied to personal recovery. Each participant must examine, challenge, and experience a shift in their own paradigms regarding addiction, criminality and the recovery process. The self-help movement is presented as a series of paradigm shifts affecting societal attitudes towards addiction. The history of the Sobriety Movement is examined beginning with the Oxford Group Movement, Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Step Fellowships, and the evolution of Therapeutic Communities. The origins of theSerenity Prayer and the lyrics of “Amazing Grace” are examined, and the founders of 12 Step work and TC’s - varied and colorful individuals that overcame alcoholism, addiction and criminality - are presented. Modalities are presented so participants inevitably see the similarities in the essence of these modalities.

It is the goal of this curriculum to have participants develop an integrated perspective on self-help so they keep an open mind in terms of utilizing any and all systems that can be of help to them in the future. It is imperative that participants understand the positive relationships between 12 Step and TC modalities so they can avail themselves of the support from the 12 Step community after they graduate from the TC.

Each participant receives a workbook, and staff receive the accompanying teaching guide which includes lesson plans, group exercises, seminars for presentation and documentary DVD’s that relate to the curriculum. Curriculum material is presented to take into consideration the varied learning styles and academic levels of all participants.

*****Please Note that DVDs are not included

Origins of Restorative Paradigms Documentary Movies

Amazing Grace: This one hour Bill Moyers documentary tells the story of the slave trader who had a change of heart and politics regarding the slave trade. The film then depicts the multitude of cultures, musical presentations and uses to which these verses, born of one man’s conversion, have applied. This movie depicts the positive effect that one individuals conversion to a better way of life can have on people on several continents, from many different races and cultures.

Children of Denial: Growing Up With Addiction This 30-minute lecture by Claudia Black describes the norms that inevitably develop for children reared in an alcoholic home. The “paradigm” that develops in response to abuse is of value for participants in terms of both their own childhood and their own children. Lesson plans help participants identify what norms they developed as a result of their own up-bringing as well as norms they have created for their children.

House on the Beach: This BBC documentary was made in the early 1960’s chronicling the development of the first Therapeutic Community, Synanon.

Origins of a Therapeutic Community:Produced by Zev Putterman, winner of 13 Emmy awards, this film was developed specifically for this curricululm. Mr. Putterman was one of the first heroin addicts to graduate from a TC (1962). A TC practitioner presents the history of the TC movement and various pioneers in the TC movement tell their stories of conversion from criminality and addiction to citizenship.

The Business of Paradigms: Futurist Joel Barker describes the concept of paradigms, paradigm shifts, and paradigm paralysis as these concepts apply to business, society and scientific discovery. Lesson plans analogize this information to the TC participants’ individual “paralysis” of addiction and criminal behavior. It sets the stage for participants to develop their own insight and “buy in” regarding what they need to shift in their own lives.

The Enemy of my Enemy is my Friend: Produced by Zev Putterman, with the help of Casey Casem, this film demonstrates the utilization of self-help tools in providing understanding through open group discussion between people of middle eastern descent, Jews and Arabs, in the Los Angeles community.

The Miracle Worker: This classic docudrama featuring Anne Bancroft and Peggy Duke chronicles the relationship between Anne Sullivan, a half blind teacher and her deaf, dumb and blind student, Helen Keller. This is presented from the perspective of the journey both women took to change the paradigm of hopelessness and isolation. The corresponding lesson plan
is based on a statement made by Betty Jean Coleman Dederich, one of the founders of Synanon, comparing her own conversion from criminality addiction and isolation to the life of Helen Keller.

The Twentieth Century: Synanon in Prison This documentary by Walter Cronkite tells the story of the first Therapeutic Community in the Nevada State Maximum Security Prison in l962. This 400-person Therapeutic Community was the ancestor to all in-prison Therapeutic Communities in existence today.

Origins of Restorative Paradigms Recommended Reading

1. People to People Therapy-by John Drakeford
2. The Big Book Alcoholics Anonymous
3. The Tunnel Back Synanon- by Lewis Yablonsky
4. The Therapuetic Community- by Lewis Yablonsky
5. Gangsters- by Lewis Yablonsky