The PDAP is a privately financed 12-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. The first step is for the drug user to recognize and admit that drugs have caused at least part of his/her life to become unmanageable. The second step involves the recognition of the importance of associating with youth and adults who are role models for drug-free, responsible behavior. The third step recognizes the importance of a "Higher Power," expressed through love for one another, in helping restore constructive order to life; and the fourth step entails turning "our will and our lives over to the care of God, as we understand Him." Other steps are a moral inventory, a confession to God and others of wrongs done, dependence on God and a loving group to begin changing, a listing of all persons harmed and the development of a willingness to make amends to each of them, and the making of direct amends to these people. Remaining steps in the course of positive change are continued self-examination, the use of prayer and meditation to maintain contact with a "Higher Power," and the expression of love and understanding to others. Advice to parents includes looking for preventive resources before a child uses drugs, especially if someone else in the family abuses drugs; getting the child into a PDAP group or other treatment immediately upon discovering his/her drug use; getting involved in a parent group; and being willing to pay for long-term residential treatment if necessary.