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Clean And Sober Theatre

Host Bob Lee interviews Susan Arnold, Artistic Director, and several cast members of CAST (Clean & Sober Theatre). Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance by Pima County youths in grades 8 and 12. Drug and alcohol use by Arizona students remains higher than the national average. The three teenage guests say they were heavy substance abusers. They were referred to the CAST program while in rehab. They say it was hard coming to grips with the issues that led to their substance abuse, but once they got into it, the rest came easy. They say they submitted applications to become a part of the one-year CAST project. The participants in CAST share their experiences with drugs and alcohol through their performances. They say the program gets the message out to kids effectively because it’s “not about just saying don’t do drugs.” They say kids don’t listen to that. Once the audience realizes that the CAST members are telling their own personal stories, they have their undivided attention. Arnold says CAST members participate in weekly therapy sessions, getting in touch with the emotions that led to their addictions. She says the goal is to do 40 CAST performances during a school year.

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