GETTING READY TO ATTEND THE DUIL PROGRAM
Preparing to Comply With The
Tobacco-Free Policy
If you are a smoker or regularly use any other type of tobacco
product, it is important for you to know that the DUIL Program no
longer permits the use of tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars,
chewing tobacco, snuff, etc.) by anyone on its premises. As clients
normally are not permitted to leave facility grounds during their
stay, this means that you will not be able to smoke or use other
tobacco products during the fourteen days you are here. To
facilitate compliance with this policy, you will not be permitted to
bring tobacco products with you when you enter the program.
We recognize that for many people tobacco cessation is neither a
quick nor easy undertaking. We also do not advocate that anyone just
try to stop smoking the day they enter our program. If you currently
smoke or use other tobacco products, we strongly recommend that you
consult your personal health care provider to discuss what options
(nicotine patch, various prescription medications, etc.) may be best
suited to your individual situation. Web sites such as
www.makesmokinghistory.org can provide you with additional
resources and information to aid in your planning process.
DUIL Program policy regarding various over-the-counter options is
as follows:
-
Nicotine gum – no gum of any kind is
permitted.
-
Nicotine lozenges – may be used at any
time.
-
Nicotine patch – may only be used with a
note from your health care provider, as “the patch” may not be
suitable for persons with certain health considerations.
Medications and Other Medical Issues
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. If you have recently stopped a
prescription medication, please provide a doctor's note indicating
that you had his/her clearance to do so.
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 your name on them. Daily reminder
containers, with compartments for each day's medications, are not
permitted.
Vitamins/Nutritional Supplements &
Over-the-Counter Medications
Clients wishing to bring any type of vitamin or dietary /
nutritional supplement to the DUIL Program must present, upon
admission, a note signed by a medical doctor listing all vitamins or
supplements which the doctor indicates are appropriate for the
client to bring to the program. All such items must be in their
original, factory-sealed containers.
The DUIL Program medications room maintains an inventory of the
following over the-counter medications (available at a small charge)
for occasional use by clients in accordance with package directions:
-
Acetaminophen
-
Antacids
-
Ibuprofen
-
Anti-diarrhea
If you need such medications on a
routine basis or may require other OTC medications not listed above,
you may bring them with you, provided you present a doctor's note at
the time of admission which specifies those items the doctor
indicates are appropriate for you. The items must be in their
original, factory-sealed containers. A doctor's note is also
required should your approved dosage of any OTC medication not be in
accordance with package directions. Any items not meeting these
requirements will either be sent home with your ride or discarded.
You may, however, opt to obtain a doctor's note post admission and
have the approved items mailed to you while attending the program.
Medical Clearance / Reasonable
Accommodation For Medical Conditions
You will be required to have a note from your health care
provider 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 for any
reason or if you are pregnant. You may bring your 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.
If you have any medical conditions which may limit your ability to
participate in DUIL programming or may require special arrangements,
please provide us with a note from your doctor detailing your needs
at least one week prior to your admission date so that our staff can
assess whether the requested accommodations are feasible within the
scope of the
program. Examples of situations which should be brought to our
attention in this manner include:
-
Mobility issues, especially those which
may limit your ability to climb stairs – use of a cane, crutches,
walker or wheelchair;
-
Breathing issues – use of oxygen or CPAP
machine;
-
Medically necessary dietary requirements
– special needs for diabetics or those who have had gastric bypass
surgery;Medications
-
Inability to sit for prolonged periods
of time or to remain awake from 6:30 am until 10:30 pm each day.
If you have any questions regarding
requirements in your individual situation, please call the DUIL
office well in advance of your scheduled admission to discuss it.
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 DUIL Program is a Tobacco-Free
Program.
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 payment arrangements you have agreed
upon with the court are detailed in the Admission Letter included in
this information packet. If you originally chose to use the payment
plan option, you may, of course, elect to make full payment at the
time of admission. Doing so will allow you to receive your
completion paperwork more quickly.
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, personal checks,
business checks or credit card account checks. Please plan
accordingly. We also do not accept third party payments from
insurance companies. Few, if any, plans cover court mandated
programs such as this.
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. Your probation generally will not be
terminated while there is a balance remaining on your DUIL account.
Should you be discharged from the program for disciplinary reasons,
you will be responsible for payment based on the current daily rate
for the length of your stay.
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 the vending
machines and pay phones;
-
To pay for a cab to
and from a medical facility, as well as to purchase medications,
should you have a minor illness or medical problem.
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):
-
Cigarettes, chewing
tobacco, snuff or any other tobacco products
-
Matches or cigarette
lighters
-
Any liquid product
containing alcohol, such as mouth
wash, perfume or cough syrup; any other product where alcohol is a
primary ingredient
-
Anything packaged in an
aerosol can
or a
spray pump container
-
Any controlled substances,
prescription or over-the-counter medications vitamins or
nutritional supplements 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)
-
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 (iPods),
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 sheets for your bed.)
-
Laundry detergent
-
Musical instruments, sports
equipment or toys, including stuffed animals
-
Work or school related books,
papers or other materials
-
Books, magazines, pictures,
literature or materials of any
kind which promote alcohol, drug or tobacco use, or that are
sexually oriented
-
Clothing
which:
Promotes the use of alcohol, drugs or tobacco;
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, (keep it on your person, not in your luggage, as you
will need it at check-in) as well as your health insurance card 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.
-
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
A Note on Toiletries and Cosmetics
While cosmetics are not prohibited, they
must be brought in sealed (new, unopened) containers. (This also
applies to items such as shampoo, conditioner, etc.) 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. Each client is assigned a specific time when he or she
is to report. Your appointment 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 needs to
remain in the area until you have completed the admissions process
(generally one to two hours.) 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 available 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 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/visitors generally are not permitted to
accompany you into the building. Let staff know if your driver is
making your payment with his/her credit card so that he or she may
remain with you through the financial process. As mentioned above,
your driver needs to remain in the area while you are being
processed in case there are any problems. They may wait outside (in
nice weather) or in their vehicles or perhaps visit a nearby
restaurant (there are many) while you are being checked in.
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 go outside and say good-bye
to your driver. Afterward, a staff member will 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.
Please note that on Admission Sunday, lunch is served only for those
clients whose Scheduled Admission Time is Prior to 12:00 Noon.
Everyone, of course, receives an evening meal. If you are scheduled
for an afternoon admission, make sure to eat lunch or a very hearty
breakfast before reporting for check-in. Do not bring any food or
beverages with you. Should you do so, they will be discarded.
(Vending machines are available for snacks.)
A Note on 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 NOT permitted to smoke.
Laundry
When packing to attend the DUIL Program, keep in mind
that a limited number 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 or suspected use of any
tobacco products.
-
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.
-
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.
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