Ronald Pereira, ex-heroin addict age 21, tells KPFA's Elsa Knight Thompson about a drug rehabilitation program which began in Santa Rita prison initiated by the inmates to help themselves, since no part of the correctional system was providing help with addiction. He describes its problems and objectives. The group is called NEW PAL, for Narcotics Elimination Work Practiced Among Losers. Pereira also explains how his addiction was handled by the judge who sentenced him, and within the prison.
This recording has been digitally preserved as part of Pacifica's American Women Making History and Culture: 1963-1982 grant preservation project, and is available for research and reference . Please contact the archives via telephone: 818-506-1077 or email: americanwomen at pacificaradioarchives dot org for information on how to obtain a copy of this program. Thank you.
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