The Operation Breakthrough program was developed in 2005 by Eileen Dewey and Mike Green, who have a combined 60 years of clinical experience. After years of listening to anecdotal feedback from clients lamenting traditional DUI programs as uninteresting, or worse, ineffective, we decided to create an innovative, vibrant and effective program.

We reviewed the research in the field, which indicated that information-based educational efforts have minimal impact on alcohol consumption and related behaviors. One of the most methodically, rigorous evaluations of the early DUI education programs concluded that education produced increased knowledge about the effects of drinking and driving, but did not reduce the rates of drinking and driving re-arrests, or involvement in future alcohol related crashes. The literature suggests that “the system” needs to change and that change needs to include more intense and enduring treatment options. The traditional DUI education programs include HIV education and other topics that are less than impactful units of education for this particular clientele. From the research, we concluded that people change their behaviors only when they change their attitudes and belief around alcohol use. We wanted our clients to engage in lectures and activities that will trigger these changes.

The Program:

Operation Breakthrough is certified as an early intervention (.5) alcohol and drug intervention program . The program includes lectures, interactive discussions, small group exercises, thought-provoking homework assignments, as well as the most important traditional DUI education modules.

Clients begin the weekend program by coming together on Friday evening at 6:00 pm to participate in a three-hour session which includes: perceptions of alcohol in our society, addictive thinking, and social vs. problematic vs. alcoholic/addictive use. This session helps clients to understand how their use of alcohol is influenced by many factors.

The group reports back at 8:00 am on Saturday morning. The day begins with a breathalyzer. The next seven hours are filled with a combination of activities. The topics include: “Looking at Myself,” “Reasons I Drink,” “The Decision Tree of my DUI,” high risk situations and triggers, and marijuana use and abuse. Prior to leaving for the evening, each client is given an individualized homework assignment. The client may be asked to research specific data related to DUIs, attend an AA meeting, write a letter to his mother from Heaven because he was killed by a drunk driver, or one of a variety of other tasks.

The group returns on Sunday morning and is breathalyzed again. The first lecture on “Scope of the Drinking-Driving Problem” is presented by James Ritter, who served as a drinking driving monitor in Maryland for 11 years. This is followed by lectures and small group activities designed to deepen the clients’ understanding of themselves, their substance use, and their personal triggers to substance abuse.

At the conclusion of the day, clients write letters to themselves about their experiences here and their commitment to never get behind the wheel if they have been drinking. These letters are mailed to the clients six months from the date they finish the program.

Operation Breakthrough
WEEKEND INTERVENTION PROGRAM
This is an intensive, informational and counseling program for persons affected by alcohol and or other drug use.

It is considered an early intervention program, but may also be used as a relapse prevention experience. The course content can be tailored to the individual needs of the client.

The fourteen-hour experience includes:

The total cost for the entire weekend is $350.00. YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER!

A certificate of completion will be available on Sunday morning.

Our classes are specifically designed to examine the biological, psychological, and social effects of alcohol and other drug use and abuse. We encourage active participation from clients. Our focus is helping clients to change their attitudes, negative thinking patterns, and belief systems in order to permanently change negative behaviors.

Our counselors all have master’s degrees and are extremely devoted to our clients and the program goals. Mike Green and Eileen Dewey personally run this program.

To enroll in one of these programs, please call 410-730-1333.

Operation Breakthrough for Teens
One of the biggest choices in a young person’s life is the decision whether or not to drink alcohol or use drugs. How might drinking alcohol and using other drugs lead to certain life changing outcomes? This is not a fact based program but an exploration into ones attitudes, behaviors, and belief systems about alcohol and drug use. The group leaders utilize group discussions and structured activities. The program focuses on safe and sober driving. We utilize materials from a variety of sources including the National Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. All participants leave with a signed contract to present to their parents.

Automobile crashes are THE leading cause of teen deaths.

Choose one of the following groups

A $145 non-refundable fee is due at registration.

Call Cindy Dagley at 410-730-1333 to register or email at cactar@verizon.net