Residents, staff, and guests gathered at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center to celebrate Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) graduates. This was the first ISUDT graduation in more than three years.
The ninety-plus graduates were from multiple cycles of the ISUDT program. The drug and alcohol recovery program, which is supported by CDCR’S Division of Rehabilitative Programs consists of three components:
- Cognitive Behavioral Intervention
- Life Skills
- and After-Care.
ISUDT encourages sobriety
“ISUDT helped me to get off drugs,” said graduate Rodney Vandunk. “I abstain from using because of the stories I heard in ISUDT and the people I met that are clean.”
Vandunk expressed his appreciation for the graduation because he now has a certificate to send home, showing he is making progress transforming himself for the better.
The ISUDT program is expanding at SQ and around the state. ISUDT Director Lance Bohn spoke of three new classes and more staff being hired.
“The program is gearing everyone to go home — embrace it,” Bohn said to the crowd.
“Having a graduation is validation the program is working, that it is impacting the population on a grand scale. ISUDT program is a way residents can cure their disease. It is important to show support to the residents from the custody side of things.,” said Acting Associate Warden E. Patao.
DRP Captain Oliveraz shared how she was encouraged to see how many people are engaged in the program. She said she looks forward to more opportunities coming with the implementation of the California Model of prison reform.
Program brings community to SQ
“We want the same things, especially treating each other well. I am confident in each of you to make choices that are different and to continue to take responsibility of your future,” said Oliveraz.
Graduate Huan Nguyen took two years to complete the program because of delays due to Covid. He shared how he appreciated the many courses taught through the program from parenting, anger management, domestic violence prevention, victim impact, recovery support, and sobriety.
“ISUDT saved my life,” said Nguyen.
SQ’s band, The Greater Good, played music during the ceremony. Graduates in caps and gowns enjoyed some pizza and cake during the reception afterwards, some of them with their family.
“I see that they have a positive change in how they conduct themselves and that change is continually using the tools they are implementing,” said Olegario Ambriz.
Story by Michael Callahan
Photos by Vincent O’Bannon and Aristeo SanPablo
San Quentin News
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