“Why do I have to change who I am to get well?”
That was the question Peter Hayden grappled with while undergoing treatment in 1973 for drug addiction. Long before terms like ‘culturally-specific’ or ‘holistic’ were in vogue, there were few options available to a young Black man who had reached his turning point.
Committed to his healing journey, fueled by a sense of purpose he stayed with the program. Two years later, he launched his own chemical treatment facility.
Today, Turning Point is a licensed integrated chemical dependency treatment organization, providing in-patient and out-patient treatment and wrap-around support services-during and after treatment. To date, they’ve served over 25,000 people providing case management, sobriety living skills, relationship counseling and job skills training. They also offer transitional housing options, providing safe and sober environments as patients prepare for independent living. Turning Point’s ability to provide these services mean patients receive a continuance of culturally-specific treatment and support through the various stages of recovery.
“Our core goal is to help people matriculate with the skills needed to succeed in life,” says Dr. Hayden.
Turning Point’s 2-Step program blends chemical treatment with sober living counseling. Taking a ‘common sense’ approach to living, infusing relationship management, health & wellness, Turning Point has created a model of best practices in culturally-specific chemical dependency treatment.
At a time when we’re seeing a surge in substance abuse in the Twin Cities, with treatment admission rates at a record-high of 14.6%, according to the 2015 Drug Abuse Trends in Minneapolis/ St.Paul Report, Turning Point’s brand of treatment is instrumental in shaping the policies and methodologies of rehabilitation.
What started out as one man’s refuge, has become the refuge of many-across age, income and cultural backgrounds-challenging perceptions of the ‘typical’ substance abuser. 10% of the agency’s patients are college-educated, some are married, successful, etc; anyone can fall into a pattern of abuse at any given time.
And when that happens, Dr. Hayden recommends ‘working the program’, leaning on your support system and practicing healthy living. For friends, partners and community in general, he urges:
“Empower Black men...acknowledge them. They hear
so much negativity on a daily basis, find something
positive to say. Allow them to find their core.”
In 2016, Turning Point will celebrate 40 years in service. A celebration, honoring Dr. Hayden, will take place June 10, at The Commons Hotel.
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