THE EDUCATIONAL THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY MODEL FOR TREATING ADOLESCENT DRUG ADDICTS IN MALKISHUA AS A LEVER FOR CHANGE AND GROWTH AMONG DRUG ADDICTED YOUTH

The present research addresses the educational therapeutic community model for treating adolescent drug addicts. It examines how the community is a lever for change and growth among detached delinquent youth who use drugs. The research was conducted as a result of an increasing problem, that of drug use among Israeli youth. A survey conducted among adolescents in Israel (Rahav et al., 2006) shows that there has been a significant rise among adolescents using various types of drugs. 15.8 % report use of volatile substances (air conditioner gas, contact cement, gasoline, paint thinner, etc.). In the past year, in this field, a rise of 8.4 % occurred relative to the previous survey. Approximately 25 % report that they got drunk at least one time in the past year, and 19 % report that at least one time in the last month they had at least five drinks within the space of a number of hours. 9.9 % reported use of illegal drugs over the past year. Among youths at risk, these data ar