Findings from surveys conducted at a community school for students who have problems adjusting to traditional schools indicated an outpatient drug program was needed. To finance this program, the Board of Education approved a request, without precedent, to solicit funds from public and private agencies. A trip to Minnesota to research school-based treatment was sponsored by a private foundation. Students eligible for the 2-phase, 30-week program had problems with substance abuse, but were not considered addicts. Phase I was designed to stop substance abuse through drug use education, therapy, and Alcoholics Anonymous attendance and stressed both physical and academic education. Phase II focused on recovery, maintaining sobriety, and academics. Since low self-esteem is at the core of chemical dependency, one objective of the program is to help adolescents regain self-respect.