Ground Breaking Class TODAY! Dr. Cali Estes, The Addictions Coach Teaches Addiction Training to NJ Police Department!

“Our First Responder Intervention training is like no other on the market,” Dr. Estes said. “We saw a need for this type of training because as a culture we rely on the first responders for help when something goes wrong, but because of the stigma of what is expected of them they don’t have access to the same services that the rest of us do.”

Officer TJ McWain was the first police officer in Gloucester County to complete Estes’ training program and become fully certified in intervention, recovery coaching and family coaching.

“It gives me a lot more information on the psychology of an addict,” he said. “I can understand where they are coming from. When I have an open and honest addict I can get them more assistance.”

The rest of West Deptford’s police department will all be following in McWain’s footsteps  today, as Estes brings her program to the township, opening the training to each of the first responders in the area.

“I’m all for it. We can get the people on drugs help,” West Deptford Chief Sam DiSimone said. “Anytime an officer can help out I think it’s great. Not only for West Deptford, but for everyone.”

DiSimone said McWain’s training makes him a valuable resource in dealing with addicts.

“He will be somebody who can speak to them on a different level, have a better understanding of where they’re coming from and direct them to get help.”

The Addictions Academy offers a unique intervention strategy that focuses on the client and the process of using body language and overcoming objections to get the client into treatment. They use the RAAD model and because it is a direct approach, it is especially effective with the opiate population. Therapists, doctors, those in recovery, moms of addicts, and others wanting to learn how to get someone into treatment have taken their classes and applied the techniques learned in everyday life.