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NADA-Europe to NADA-world status...Dr. Michael O.Smith

From the Desk of Dr. Michael O.Smith....
I am completing my first part of the post-NADA 2013 and pre NADA 2015 tour.  Rita’s program, Retretten, is closest program to Lincoln at this time.  It is a very fitting location for the elevation of NADA-Europe to NADA-world status.  It will be the 30th anniversary of NADA, and the 25th year of NADA-Europe.  
Rita visits 2 jails frequently.  There is the old city prison near Retretten.  This week senior and junior officers together with various regular inmate clients.
Everyone participated equally for over an hour—a wonderful letting go of status and validation of the human spirit of all.  Today we visited the most successful of the 14 addiction treatment center inside prisons.  Again a triumph of common sprit.  The program would be much more powerful if the more senior  prisoners were able to provide outreach and counseling for the  inmates in general population (an analogous situation to being in an outpatient program).  Such possibilities are impossible in most prison systems,  but Norway is more tolerant than most places.  Otherwise every inmate-patient must remain in a prolonged adolescence where adult challenges and growth are severely postponed.  Overly analysed plans create a weakness because nothing is ever really tested.  One of the secret benefits of Lincoln (or Retretten) is the ability to face challenges as soon as they happen.  Some people need stimulation for growth and not artificial delay of life’s issues.  Conversely, people may need more safety and  protection because the reality that seemed so easy in an artificial environment is more troubling in the light of day.

Having met the Retretten staff and volunteers over the recent years,  you can easily see their growth in counseling, acupuncture, and sober maturity that the program has helped them find.

                                                                More later,     MIKE  



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