GETTING READY TO ATTEND THE DUIL PROGRAM
MEDICAL ISSUES AND MEDICATIONS
Clients who are currently receiving
treatment for any medical condition(s), who are taking prescription
medications or who have stopped taking any prescription medications
within the past six months will need to make certain arrangements
prior to admission. You may either bring any required doctor’s notes
with you at admission or you may have the doctor fax them to us
prior to your scheduled admission date at: 978-863-9914.
Medical Issues
You will be required to have a note from
your doctor stating that you have medical clearance to attend the
DUIL Program:
-
If you have any condition(s) which
might be adversely affected by the stress of attending the program
such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, a history of strokes,
seizures, heart or breathing problems.
-
If you have recently been
hospitalized.
-
If you have any mobility issues
which may limit your ability to climb stairs or participate in the
program.
If you have any questions as to whether a
note might be required in your individual situation, please call the DUIL office several days prior to your scheduled admission to
discuss it.
Medications
Prescription Medications:
-
You will need a note from your
doctor for any prescription medicines you are currently taking.
This note must specify the name of the medicine and the dosage (when
and how much). It need not say why you are taking the medication.
-
You must bring a 14 day supply
of each prescription medication. We do not have facilities for
filling prescriptions. Diabetics must bring their own testing
supplies.
-
All medications must be in original
containers with the client’s name (not someone else’s) on them.
Daily reminder containers, with compartments for each day’s
medications, are not permitted.
-
If you have stopped taking a
prescription in the past six months, please provide a doctor’s note
indicating that you had his/her clearance to do so.
Non-Prescription Medications
-
You may bring non-prescription
medicines which do not contain alcohol and do not cause
drowsiness. They must be in their original, unopened
containers. We keep only a limited supply and selection of such
items on hand. If you think you are likely to need such things as
antacids, aspirin, Tylenol, cold medications, etc., please bring
them with you.
The Middlesex DUIL Program:
What It Is
-
The DUIL Program, located
in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, is a fourteen day, residential program
for men and women who have been convicted of a second offense for
driving under the influence of liquor (or other substances).
-
The DUIL Program is a
court-mandated program. Clients who come here do so under court
order as an alternative to incarceration.
-
The DUIL Program is a
program whose objective is to help clients with substance abuse
issues to deter future problems through its education, counseling
and referral services.
-
The DUIL Program is a
program of Middlesex Human Service Agency, Inc., located in Waltham,
Massachusetts.
The Middlesex DUIL Program:
What It Is NOT
-
The DUIL Program is NOT
a detox facility. You are required to appear for admission free
of alcohol and/or drugs. Clients who are in need of detox services
should seek them before entering the program.
-
The DUIL Program is NOT
a medical facility. We do not provide medical treatment of any
kind. Clients who need medical attention will be sent or referred
to appropriate facilities off premises, such transportation and
treatment being at their own expense. We do not provide medications
- clients must bring their own medications and related supplies with
them.
-
The DUIL Program is NOT
a state agency. Although the program is licensed by the state
and contracts with the state to provide second offender services, it
is not run by the state. It is part of a private non-profit
organization. Clients make payment directly to the DUIL Program to
help cover the cost of their attendance. These payments are not part
of their court costs or other court imposed fines.
-
The DUIL Program is NOT
part of the Tewksbury State Hospital. Like a number of other
organizations, the DUIL Program occupies one of many building on the
grounds of the Tewksbury Hospital complex. We are not part of the
state hospital. We only occupy one of its buildings.
FINANCIAL MATTERS
Payment
The basic cost of attending the DUIL
Program is $999.74 (a rate of $71.41 per day which is set by the
state.) This is the amount charged clients who pay the entire
balance at the time of admission or within thirty days of discharge.
Several payment plan options are available to those who cannot make
full payment within this time period. Normally these require a
$550.00 payment upon admission, with the balance, plus
carrying charges, being paid off in four or eight monthly
installments. Those on payment plans will be asked to sign a
Contractual Payment Agreement stating that payments will be made.
Refusal to sign the agreement will result in dismissal from the
program.
The DUIL Program accepts money orders,
bank checks and credit cards (Visa or MasterCard). We do not
accept cash or personal checks. Please plan accordingly. We also
do not accept third party payments from insurance companies, as few,
if any, plans cover court mandated programs such as this. After
completing the program, those seeking reimbursement may request a
letter documenting their attendance and payment to give to their
providers.
If you do not report for admission as
scheduled, you will be charged a “No Show” fee of $70.00 for each
such incident. This fee must be paid before you will be admitted to
the program. If you are discharged from the program for disciplinary
reasons, you will be responsible for payment based on the $71.41
daily rate for the length of your stay.
The DUIL Program will provide you with
the paperwork necessary to obtain a new driver’s license only when
you have completed payment of all charges due the Program.
Additionally, your probation will generally not be terminated if
there is a balance remaining on your DUIL account.
Money & Valuables
There is not a lot to spend money on
while at the DUIL Program, but you will want to have some with you
for a number of possible reasons:
-
To buy detergent and use the coin-op
laundry facilities;
-
To use vending machines for snacks and
entertainment;
-
To use the pay phones;
-
To pay for a cab to and from a medical
facility should you have a minor medical problem;
-
To purchase medication in the event of a
minor illness.
The amount you
bring will depend on your individual circumstances, but between
$50.00 and $100.00 works well for most people. It should be mostly
in small bills, plus a roll or two of quarters. Remember, you will
be in an institutional setting; there are no locks on the doors.
Plan to keep any cash on your person or in a suitcase or other
container which you can lock. The same is true of any valuables. Or
better yet, leave valuable items at home.
PACKING TO ATTEND DUIL
What NOT to Bring
Before going over a
list of things you will need to bring with you to the DUIL Program,
it is probably best to discuss what items are not permitted. You
may not bring (or have sent to you):
-
Any liquid product containing
alcohol, such as mouth wash, perfume or cough syrup
-
Anything packaged in an aerosol
can
-
Any controlled substances or
prescription medications for which you do not have a doctor’s note
-
Food or beverages of any kind, including
candy, gum, diet drinks and dietary supplements (without a doctor’s
authorization)
-
Any tobacco products other than
manufacturer pre-packaged cigarettes. Loose
tobacco of any type (rolling, chewing, pipe) is not permitted, nor
is snuff or cigars.
-
Matches or cigarette lighters (they will
be provided at designated smoking times)
-
Cell phones, beepers, two-way radios,
cameras, computers (including laptops) and
personal digital assistants (PDA's) such as Blackberry devices
-
Radios, TV's, mp3 players (iPod), CD or
cassette players, DVD players, electronic
games or any similar entertainment devices
-
Electric irons, air conditioners and any
other portable, electrical or battery operated
devices not specifically mentioned on the “What to Bring” list
-
Weapons of any type, real or toy, or any
sharp or pointed objects, such as scissors, nail
files, sewing needles, knitting needles or knives
-
Bedding of any type including pillows,
blankets, sheets and bed spreads. (You will be provided with a
pillow and pillowcase, a blanket, and a set of sheets for your bed.)
-
Laundry detergent
-
Musical instruments or sports equipment
-
Work or school related books, papers or
other materials
-
Books, magazines, pictures, literature
or materials of any kind which promote
alcohol or drug use, or that are sexually oriented
-
Clothing
which:
-
Promotes the use of alcohol or
drugs; has a message which contains profanity; promotes gambling or
violence; or has a sexually oriented theme
-
Is tight, revealing, or otherwise
provocative, including tank tops, sleeveless shirts, low cut tops,
mesh shirts, spandex, leggings and midriff baring tops
-
A car or other motor
vehicle: If you drive here and attempt to leave your vehicle,
it will be towed at your expense.
Any prohibited items which you bring
to the DUIL Program will be confiscated and either sent home with
your driver or discarded.
What to Bring
When trying to decide what to bring with
you to DUIL, the best approach is probably to think more along the
lines of going to summer camp than to a hotel. Clients stay in
small, dormitory style rooms. Nearly all rooms are doubles with
either two single beds or bunk beds. Each client also has a dresser in his or her room.
Space is limited, so pack accordingly.
Basic Items You
Should
Bring include:
-
At least one positive form of
identification, kept on your person, not in your luggage
-
Your health insurance card
(if you have one) in the event you need to receive treatment at
a medical facility
-
One or more notebooks
and several black or blue pens
-
An alarm clock
-
Towels and wash cloths
-
Clothing (consult
guidelines for what not to bring)
-
Clean, comfortable, casual
clothing (note: laundry facilities are available)
-
Comfortable shoes which either
cover the heel or have a strap which goes around the heel (no open
back shoes)
-
Exercise clothes and shoes,
if you plan to use the exercise equipment
-
Outdoor clothing
appropriate for the season (including an umbrella), if you would like to go on group walks or if you are a smoker
-
Toiletries (in
accordance with the no alcohol rule) such as:
-
Toothbrush and toothpaste,
comb and/or brush
-
Shampoo, conditioner, bath soap,
deodorant
-
Shaving kit (electric razor or single
edge safety razor)
-
Nail clippers and emery board (no
scissors or nail files)
-
Shower shoes (shoes of some type are
required whenever you leave your room)
-
Tampons/sanitary napkins if there is any
possibility you may need them
Other items which clients may wish
to bring:
-
Light reading materials
(spiritual/religious materials are fine)
-
Pictures of loved ones
-
Stamps, stationary and
envelopes
-
A small electric fan (rooms are not
air conditioned)
-
A hair dryer
-
Cigarettes, for those who smoke
- none are available at DUIL
Note on Cosmetics
While cosmetics are not prohibited, they
must be brought in sealed (new, unopened) containers. They will also
be examined to ensure they do not contain alcohol or any other
ingredients which the staff deems inappropriate in a substance abuse
program.
Admissions Process
The DUIL Program admits clients every
other Sunday between 11:30 am and 3:30 pm. Each client is assigned a
specific time within that period when he or she is to report. Your
assigned reporting time is listed on the cover letter included in
this information packet. Please try to be on time.
You
may not drive yourself to the DUIL Program.
You must have someone else drive you (or arrive by public
transportation). In making your arrangements, keep in mind that
your driver must wait until you have completed the admissions
process (generally one to two hours) before leaving. Not all
clients who report are admitted to the program. If for some reason
(medical, financial or behavioral) you are not admitted, your
driver must be here to take you home. (If you come by public
transportation, make sure you have a way of returning home in the
event you are not admitted.) Also, those
who may have difficulty with English (spoken or written) should
bring someone who can help them through check-in.
Upon arrival, you and your
driver should come with your luggage to the admissions entrance in
the rear of the building on the lower level. Have any medications
or medical supplies (prescription or over the counter) easily
accessible, as they will be checked as soon as you
arrive. Keep your payment, admissions forms and any doctors’
notes with you, not in your luggage. Drivers generally remain in
the waiting area while the client is being checked in. Let staff
know if your driver is making payment for you so that he or she may
remain with you.
During
the check-in process you will be completing the admissions
questionnaire, visiting the financial office to make any payment due
and going through a brief medical evaluation, including a blood
pressure check. You may be asked to take a breathalyser or
drug test.
Should you fail either test or refuse to be
tested, you will not be admitted.
Once you have successfully completed
the financial and medical steps, you will have an opportunity to say
good-bye to your driver, who will then be able to leave. A staff
member will then escort you and your belongings to your room where
your luggage will be searched for prohibited items (see
list.) Should any be found, they will be discarded. Pack
accordingly.
Please note that only a light supper
is served in the cafeteria on admissions night. (Vending
machines are available for snacks.) Make sure to eat lunch before
reporting for check-in. Do not bring any food or beverages with
you. Should you do so, they will be discarded.
Discharge
Clients who successfully complete the
fourteen day DUIL Program are discharged on Sunday morning, two
weeks following admission. Discharge time is between 8:00 and
10:00 AM. Please ask your ride to arrive during that time
period. No one will be allowed to leave before 8:00 AM.
While You Are Attending The DUIL
Program
Food
The DUIL Program provides clients with
three cafeteria style meals each day. Vending machines, located in
the basement recreation area, are stocked with a variety of snacks,
sodas and bottled water. You may not bring any foods (including
candy) or beverages with you, the only exception being under special
arrangement as prescribed in writing by a medical doctor. You may
not have any food or beverages mailed to you while attending the
DUIL Program.
All cafeteria food is to be consumed in
the cafeteria; all vending machine snacks in the recreation area.
You may not have any food or beverages in your room with the
exception of bottled water, which is allowed through out the
building.
Medications
All medications and medical supplies
(with the exception of inhalers for asthma or other breathing
problems and personal care items) brought by clients are kept under
lock and key in our Med Room. They are made available for clients to
self-administer, under staff supervision, during four specified time
periods each day, or at other times should a client’s
individual situation dictate.
Keeping in Touch
Phones: Although cell
phones are not permitted at DULL, a number of pay phones are
available for client use. Keep calls to no more than five minutes so
that everyone has a chance to use the phones and use them only
during designated times. If you expect to make calls, you are
strongly advised to bring a calling card. You will not be
able to receive incoming calls.
Messages: The DUIL
administrative offices are not able to take messages for clients
due to issues of both staffing and client confidentiality. If
someone outside the program calls the DUIL office with a message for
you, the person will be told that due to federal regulations
regarding client confidentiality we cannot confirm whether you are
in fact at the DUIL Program. Passing on any message left for you will
be done at the discretion of DUIL staff.
Mail: You may have friends or
family write to you, using the following address:
“Your Name”
Middlesex DUIL Program
P.O. Box 149
Tewksbury, MA 01876
Incoming mail is distributed to clients
each day at 5:00 PM. Outgoing mail is collected each morning. You
may also receive packages mailed to the above address should you
find there is something you forgot to bring. However, you should be
aware that all packages will be searched. Do not ask
someone to come by and drop off something for you. This is not
allowed.
Visitors:
Clients are NOT PERMITTED TO HAVE VISITORS while
attending the DUIL Program.
Smoking Policy
Clients are permitted to smoke, but only outside in
the courtyard smoking area and only during four
specially designated periods each day.
These coincide with the breakfast, lunch and dinner hours and a
fifteen-minute period before bedtime. Smoking is not permitted on
walks or during any other outside activities.
Any client found smoking inside the building or during a time other
than a designated smoke break will be discharged from the DUIL
Program.
If you smoke, you will need to bring a
supply of cigarettes with you. None are available on the premises.
Do not bring matches or a cigarette lighter, they will be provided
by staff during the designated smoking periods. Snuff and chewing
tobacco are not permitted.
If you are trying to quit smoking and
using the patch, you will not be allowed to smoke. If you are trying
to quit smoking, you should also be aware that clients are not
permitted to use nicotine gum or nasal sprays while at DUIL.
Laundry
When packing to attend the DUIL Program, keep in mind
that coin operated washers and dryers are available for your use, so
you do not need to bring fourteen days worth of clothing with you.
Single load boxes of laundry detergent may be purchased on site;
you may not bring your own detergent.
Recreation
Time is provided each day for supervised
recreational activities such as group walks, games and craft
projects. No one will be forced to participate in any specific
recreational activity, but clients are encouraged to take advantage
of these opportunities.
A variety of exercise equipment is
available for clients to use during designated time periods. These
include weight machines, exercise bikes and a ping pong table.
Daily Activities
During your stay at DUIL, you will
attend a variety of classes and group therapy sessions as well as
have one-on-one counseling sessions with your individual counselor.
Participation in these activities is mandatory. Attendance is taken
and late arrivals are not tolerated. Each evening you will be
required to attend an AA meeting.
There will also be free time to read or
write letters in your room or just to sit around and talk with other
clients in the common room on your unit. You should not expect to
spend your free time watching TV
Clients are responsible for keeping
common areas, bathrooms, hallways, classrooms and the cafeteria, as
well as their own rooms, neat and clean. Time is set aside each
evening for doing chores, and each client is assigned daily tasks to
perform while at DUIL. Performing assigned chores is a mandatory
part of attending the program.
RULES & REGULATIONS
Behavior which will result in
IMMEDIATE DISCHARGE
-
Possession or suspected use of
alcohol or drugs.
-
Possession or suspected use of weapons.
-
Possession/concealment of prohibited
items such as cell phones, cameras or lighters.
-
Destruction of program property or that
of another client.
-
Stealing.
-
Gambling.
-
Acts or threats of physical violence, or
intimidation of staff or clients.
-
Smoking in unauthorized areas or at
unauthorized times.
-
Inappropriate sexual conduct.
-
Making derogatory statements of a
racial, ethnic or gender-related nature.
-
Being absent from the program or from
any activity of the program without permission. This includes travel
outside the building without staff permission or a staff escort.
|
General Procedures
-
Name Tags — Clients must wear
their name tags at all times other than when sleeping or showering.
Tags should be worn on the upper left side of the chest and should
be fully visible. They should not be put on a shirt which is then
partially covered by another article of clothing.
-
Medications — Medications
are dispensed from the Medications Room at 7:00 am, 12:00 noon, 5:00
pm and 10:00 pm. It is the responsibility of each client receiving
medications to report to the first floor day room (used as a waiting
area for this process) during the appropriate designated time or
times, unless other arrangements have been made to accommodate the
individual’s special medical needs.
-
Nightly Bed Check & Lights Out
-
Each client should be in his or her
room, standing by the door, at 10:25 pm for bed check. All clients
should be ready for bed at this time, should have their name tags
pinned to their robes or night clothes and should still be
wearing shoes or slippers.
-
Lights out immediately follows the
nightly bed check. There is to be no talking after this time, nor is
reading with a night light permitted. Clients' rooms should be dark,
and there should be complete silence on the units.
Please note that staff do monitor hallways to ensure compliance with
this policy.
-
Work Assignments - Each
client (except those who volunteer for kitchen duty) will be
assigned a daily chore to be performed each evening during job time.
These include such tasks as keeping hallways, client bathrooms and
day rooms neat and clean.
-
Sickness - Please inform a
staff member as soon as possible if you are not feeling well or if
you need to seek medical attention. Do not go to your room without
first requesting permission from a staff member.
-
Travel in the Building – Clients
come and go to meals, classes, groups and all other scheduled
activities in groups. If for some reason you need to return to your
unit or your room (perhaps for a forgotten notebook), you must ask
permission of a staff member. At no time should a client be alone on
the unit or elsewhere in the building. Clients must be accompanied
by staff when going to and from counseling appointments.
General Conduct
Attendance:
A schedule
of program activities, including classes, films, group sessions
and recreation, is posted each day. Clients are to follow the posted
schedule, unless instructed to do otherwise by staff, and are to
report on time for all activities, unless medically excused.
Repeated offenses of tardiness may result in discharge from the
program.
Behavior
-
Loud, boisterous behavior is to
be avoided at all times. Obscene language is not to be used in
the presence of staff or of other clients.
-
Courtesy and cooperation should be the
rule in all interactions both with staff and with other clients.
Dress - Clients should dress
appropriately at all times. Specifically:
-
Clients must wear shoes or sandals which
cover the heel or are strapped at the heel whenever outside their
sleeping quarters. Flip-flops may be worn only when going to and
from showers
-
Clients must wear shirts at all times
when outside their sleeping quarters. Robes are, of course,
acceptable on trips to and from rest rooms. At no time should a
client appear outside his or her room wrapped only in a towel.
-
Hats, bandannas and sunglasses are not
to be worn indoors unless specifically authorized by staff (such as
for medical reasons).
-
No clothing (or other items) advertising
or promoting alcohol or drugs or featuring obscene language or a
pornographic theme is permitted.
-
The following types of clothing are
deemed inappropriate for wear outside a clients room: sleeveless or
open shirts, mesh shirts, tank tops, crop tops (no exposed
midriffs), tops with low necklines (front or back), leggings,
excessively tight clothing such as those made of Lycra or spandex.
Food & Beverages - No
food or drink (except water) is allowed in client rooms.
-
All food and drinks provided for
clients at meal times must be consumed in the dining room only.
-
All food and drink (other than water)
purchased from the vending machines must be consumed in the
recreation room only. Water is allowed in all areas.
-
Chewing gum, chewing tobacco and snuff are not
allowed.
Hygiene - Clients are
expected to shower daily and always to wear clean clothing.
Privacy - No client is to
enter the room of any other client.
Recreation / Entertainment
-
Although TV’s are provided for client
use, they may only be used during the breakfast and dinner hours and
at times specifically so designated by staff.
-
Clients may not bring radios, TV's, mp3
or other types of music players, DVD players, electronic games,
computers, PDA's, or other such devices with them.
-
Approximately one hour is set aside each
day for recreational activities including group walks, craft
projects, games and use of sports equipment such as weight machines,
horseshoes, ping pong and pool tables. Each client is encouraged to
participate in activities appropriate to his or her physical
ability, but no one is required to participate in any specific
activity.
Rooms
-
Each client is responsible for
keeping his or her room neat and clean. Beds must be made each
morning.
-
Please do not attempt to adjust your
radiator or place anything on it. If there is a problem with your
radiator please inform a staff member
-
No objects are to be hung in client
rooms other than on racks designed for such use.
Telephones
-
Cell phones and pagers are not
permitted.
-
Pay phones are provided in the
basement and on the units for client use. However, they are to be
used only at specifically designated times, and each client is to
limit a calling session to no more than 5 minutes so that
everyone will have an opportunity to make calls.
-
Phones are not to be used between
classes, before or during job times and before or during AA
meetings. They may be used as follows:
|
When |
Where |
|
Mealtimes |
Basement |
|
Free time (days) |
On units / basement |
|
Free time (evenings) |
On units |
|
Recreation time |
Basement |
|
9:00 PM to 9:30 PM |
Basement |
|
