Living Values Activities for Drug Rehabilitation (LVADR) is being used in 25% of the government's drug rehabilitation centers in Vietnam. In March of 2008, the Vietnamese Ministry of Labor shared results about the program's implementation, reporting that while there were various other programs used in the centers, they have found LVADR has the most positive results.

A couple of comments from professionals closely involved in the implementation of LVADR in Vietnam:

"In a number of Drug Rehabilitation Centres, I saw tears of happiness in many youths’ eyes as they discovered Living Values. The LVE methodology is very effective for both staff and patients. It helps the staff put their feet in the patient's shoes to gain empathy and also enables the patients to recognize possible relapse situations and find solutions in preparation for when they go back to their communities."

Mrs. Hoang Thi Viet Hong, Vice Manager of DSEP

"I think all staff and patients' family members need to study this LVE program so that they can develop new ways to help and support youth addicted to drugs."

Mr. Thuc, Director of DrugRehabilitationCenter Number 6, Ba Vi, Vietnam

Drugs are a scourge around the world, devastating the lives of millions of people as addiction takes over their minds, hearts and lives.  The devastation does not end with addicts alone: families are affected and the well-being and productivity in the community and workplace are impacted.  The production and distribution of drugs causes further chaos, often resulting in danger and death for many as they struggle for survival as well as for others involved in the quest for power and wealth.  Corruption fuels the process, profits are often used for even greater violence, and countries spend millions and billions of dollars on the seemingly fruitless endeavor to eradicate drugs.  The law of supply and demand offers an obvious solution: eliminate the demand.

Eliminating the demand may seem as elusive as the goals of world peace and well-being for all.  Yet, what beautiful goals.  When we look at the state of the world today and the numerous global and societal problems, the challenges appear complex; the work that needs to be done at all levels of society appears overwhelming, and indeed it is.  However, we must remember our simple common denominator: as human beings we all have the capacity to learn and to change.  When there is a change in understanding . . . there is a change in the world. 

Education has always been one of the principal means of societal change.  We have seen the consequences of educating only the intellect, without education of the heart.  We must bring both together and reaffirm the right to respect and dignity for every human being.  Part of a change in values would be providing quality education for all.  Children, families, and society would benefit.  In a values-based atmosphere where students feel respected, valued, loved, understood and safe, they are empowered to move toward their potential.  It is my belief that if all children were educated in a values-based atmosphere, with a comprehensive values education as part of a quality education, change would ripple outward automatically; the demand for drugs would be very significantly reduced.  Add to that a values-education program to support parents and families, and many other societal ills would be reduced. 

Almost all countries in the world err in being shortsighted in prevention.  Consequently, they spend many, many more times the amount of money in trying to control and contain the resulting social ills.  Quality elementary and secondary education, counseling when needed, extra academic help and healthy extra-curricular activities cost pennies in comparison to the cost of incarcerating youth and adults.  Real prevention goes far beyond specific programs for drug and alcohol prevention.  Real prevention must include creating values-based schools and communities in order to empower others to explore and develop human values.

For those who have not had this opportunity, and who are addicted to drugs or alcohol, rehabilitation programs are essential.  Too often inaccessible to those in need, they are an important component in helping individuals regain well-being and the ability to function productively in the society.  This curriculum seeks to empower those in recovery to build their self-esteem, develop positive intrapersonal and interpersonal skills, and to rekindle their personal values.  The following is humbly offered to those who work with addicts and know in their hearts that each one of us can help create a better world. 

This special supplement was initiated by Living Values Education’s Coordinator in Vietnam.  Ms. Summerfield had trained and worked with many LVEP teachers in different settings there, including those working in private and government drug rehabilitation clinics.  The consequences of using drugs in Vietnam are especially dire, primarily because the most accessible drug is heroin. Unlike many drugs, physical addiction is almost immediate, usually occurring with the first few doses.  The drug counselors and clients at the drug rehabilitation clinics enjoyed doing the activities from Living Values Activities for Young Adults.  However, it was felt that it would be beneficial to have specific drug-related lessons to help deal with the emotional issues of drug abuse and the difficult situations that recovering addicts often encountered when leaving the clinic. A special request was made to create an LVEP supplement for this population with the hope of increasing rates of recovery.  Living Values Activities for Drug Rehabilitation (LVADR) is the result.

Living Values Activities for Drug Rehabilitation contains 102 lessons.  These lessons weave in values activities on peace, respect, love, cooperation, honesty, humility and happiness, with lessons related to drug use, emotional issues that arise with addiction and its concomitant behaviors, and the building of social and relapse-prevention skills.  This approach is based on Living Values Education Program’s methodology.  Participants are encouraged to explore and develop values in a group-facilitated process by first exploring their own dreams for a better world.  Lessons on peace and respect build self-confidence and a supportive values-based atmosphere in the group, prior to beginning drug-related lessons in which participants are asked to explore and share their journey into drugs and the consequences in their lives.  The lessons include experiences to help them deal with their pain and shame, and learn the valuable life-lessons that pain can teach.  Positive intrapersonal and interpersonal social skills are taught, encouraged and practiced.  Participants explore many aspects of their experiences and build relapse-prevention skills through discussion, art, role-playing and dramas.

Written with people in drug rehabilitation clinics in mind, LVADR is intended for use with people who are in a residential setting and have already gone through the detoxification process.  The lessons may be used with outpatient groups.  However, the lessons should be done in sequential order.  The activities are appropriate for youth as young as 15 of normal or greater intelligence, young adults and adults.

The lessons are designed to allow participants time to share and create.  Please allow 90 minutes per lesson.

LVADR is intended for use by experienced drug counselors.  The lessons may be used for people with any drug or alcohol addition.  Drug counselors are encouraged to add information about the drug(s) of addiction in accordance with the use habits of the participants.  This program may be used in conjunction with Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous groups.  Because of the client-centered approach, these lessons are easily adaptable to a variety of cultures.

It is essential that the educators who will be facilitating LVADR lessons receive an LVE Educator Training.  A copy of LVE’s at risk materials are available once training is received. Requests for more information and training may be directed to your country’s ALIVE Associate or Focal Point for LVE.  Please see the Support Near You pages for the appropriate name and email address.  If there is not an LVE entity in your country, contact training@livingvalues.net.