Kuni Frith-Black is the new Programme Director for the Alternative Substance Abuse Programme at Westgate.

Since December when she took up the post, prison officials have been pleased with her results, and her contract has been extended till spring of next year. I caught up with Mrs. Frith-Black to talk about the programme and her radio show, Holistic Living, which airs on ZBM 1340 am on Monday evenings at 6.15.

Q: What is the holistic approach to substance abuse and how does it work in the prisons?

A: "The programme we do at Westgate presently is the Alternative Substance Abuse Programme. It has been accepted as the outpatient treatment programme for Westgate. We combine the Twelve Step programme along with auricular acupuncture, herbal detoxification, stress reduction techniques and deep relaxation techniques.

"I put the programme before a parole board who really didn't have a clear idea what the Alternative Substance Abuse Programme was all about, but we explained it, and once they had documentation in front of them, that this same programme is used in Dade County, Miami drug court, and in Las Vegas, Nevada, Texas and Oregon, they understood better. The Prison psychologist was also familiar with the Dade County Programme.

"I was recently in Las Vegas participating in a training programme with the Las Vegas Drug Court and outpatient treatment programme where the Alternative Substance Abuse Programme is the programme of choice."

Q: How do Alternative programmes differ?

A: "Alternative therapies consider the mind, body and spirit, and when someone has been abusing drugs for several years, using an herbal detox programme is a way of cleansing the vital organs, soothing the nervous system, reducing anxiety, depression and insomnia, which are tell-tale signs of abuse.

"Auricular acupuncture is also used in the Lincoln Detox Center in the Bronx, New York - where they treat 200 addicts a day with good results."

Q: What is your opinion on drug testing in the prisons?

A: "I would like to see it become mandatory because it holds people accountable. It sends a standard for zero tolerance for substance abuse. It sends a strong message in that area. If I was asked to be tested I would have no problem conceding."

Q: You also host Holistic living on 1340 am radio. The show is now in its third year, how is it going?

A: "It has grown in leaps and bounds. I am amazed by the amount of people who listen."

Q: What was your best show?

A: "That's hard. I find different topics appeal to different people. People seem to enjoy hearing from Dr. (Femi) Bada. He practices allopathic (conventional) medicine as well as alternative medicine."

Q: What would you like to see when it comes to holistic health in Bermuda?

A: "I'd like to see more therapeutic and alternative approaches being used in Government offices and exempt companies, because people are functioning in an ever stressful work environment and to be able to take time out of a lunch hour to have a session of acupuncture, seated massage or meditation can enhance the productivity of employees.

"I'd also like to see insurance companies support alternative therapies more. They stand to benefit. Preventative measures should be encouraged for health and well being."

Q: If you could have anybody in the world on the show, who would it be?

A: "The Dalai Lama. That's my dream guest for the show. Because he stands for world peace. He preaches the gospel of spirituality not religion - with all its conflicts and controversies."

Q: What was your most controversial show?

A: "Sometimes when people don't understand a certain thing they may think it sounds strange, weird or borders on satanic. I'd like to encourage people to research and educate themselves whether it be via the Internet, the library or talking to practitioners who are familiar with the modality.

"We live in an age of information not just hearsay. If you want to know the truth, read and find out for yourself."

Q:You also organise the annual Holistic Expo - why did you decide to start this event?

A: "I felt people needed to have more opportunities as far as health care. People seem to be on the path of seeking more natural approaches to health and healing. They are looking for less side effects. Next year I am looking to expand the show in a different direction, with more emphasis on educational seminars than vendors."

Q: Has the holistic approach helped you or your family personally?

A: "Because my husband is in remission from Hodgkin's lymphoma, we take an holistic approach to health, diet and nutrition and we take advantage of holistic and complementary therapies."