Addicted to the Lifestyle Prevention/Early Intervention Education is based on the theory that a large percentage of youth who are involved or at risk of becoming involved with the criminal justice system are not addicted to drugs but are addicted to a lifestyle of hustling and selling drugs.

The program serves youth between the ages of 9-21. The program was designed to fill a gap in substance abuse/mental health services and provide an alternative model of treatment for at risk youth who are being adjudicated on drug related offenses. Many of these youth are arrested for non-violent crimes such as possession and distribution of drugs. The methods used translate cognitive strategies into activities that are consonant with the life experiences and language of contemporary urban youth. Our goal is to reduce the number of youth who choose a lifestyle of delinquency, drugs, and violence.

"Addicted to the Lifestyle" prevention/Early Intervention Education is a culturally specific, alternative approach. We believe a young person who is attuned to the knowledge of themselves with a clear understanding of cause and effect can acquire the critical thinking and leadership skills that result in positive attitudes and behaviors. The model is intended to serve as a shift in paradigms and another of the catalysts for the reclamation of the minds of our youth.