Sobriety Stressed at New Directions for Women Site

Re “Unwelcome Mat for Expansion of Women’s Drug Recovery Shelter,” July 7:

As a clinical psychologist who has volunteered professional services to New Directions for Women over the past 24 years, I would like to add that it is primarily an alcoholism treatment program rather than a drug recovery shelter.

New Directions is an excellent licensed treatment program rather than a shelter. When female alcoholics present are addicted to other drugs, that is also addressed and treated.

Regarding the fears of the neighbors about having drugs or alcohol in the home on their street, the New Directions policy has always been a 100% drug-and alcohol-free environment. If a resident violates this policy, she is immediately asked to leave. There will be no drugs or alcohol in that home.

Statistically the abuse of alcohol and drugs is not confined to any segment of our society but is found in all classes and neighborhoods. It is estimated by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse that one in 10 Americans is alcoholic, one in 10 is abusing drugs and one in 15 is abusing prescription drugs.

There must be someone on that street who also needs help.

Ruth Stafford

Laguna Beach