ABSTRACT
The purpose of the proposed treatment program is to provide a holistic, natural approach to prevent alcohol and drug abuse among high-risk preadolescent and adolescent children by reducing psychological distress and physiological imbalance, and by enhancing protective resources through an individual and family program. To achieve this goal, juveniles referred for alcohol and drug abuse treatment and also their families participate in a special treatment implementing the Transcendental Meditation program and aspects of a natural system of health care known as Maharishi Ayur-Veda. A large body of scientific research has demonstrated that this program reduces anxiety, depression, and hostility; increases psychophysiological 430balance and resistance to stress; promotes more harmonious relations; and most importantly, naturally reduces dependence on alcohol, drugs, and other substances. The key components of the treatment program are the following: twice-daily practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique; twice-daily use of the herbal food supplement Maharishi Amrit Kalash; daily after-school sessions to ensure regularity and maximum benefit; a weekly treatment/class meeting for participants to understand their own experience of developing consciousness in the context of unifying principles that apply equally to their academic studies, to society, and to nature as a whole; and parental and peer participation. Structure and details of the proposed treatment program are outlined in the paper, as well as details of treatment outcome evaluation and procedures to evaluate the successful implementation of the program.
