C.A.S.T
Teen Peer-To-Peer Alcohol/Drug Education & Prevention
Click here for a brochure

C.A.S.T is a live multi-cultural theater production that speaks directly to the issues of youth alcohol and drug use/addiction. These performers are teens in recovery that share their personal stories about how they progressed from casual experimentation to addiction and eventually to the challenges and rewards of recovery. This dynamic and compelling presentation conveys the profound impact substance use has on users, their friends, family and community. Widely acclaimed as one of the most compelling and effective programs of its kind anywhere.

We must respond to the staggering statistics of youth alcohol/other drug use in a creative and direct way. C.A.S.T is that response. It serves as the focal point for community drug and alcohol prevention and education programs. The message is peer to peer ... therein lies the power of C.A.S.T. When young audience members come to the cast after a performance saying, 'You told my story,' they understand that they are not alone, that it is all right to seek help for themselves, and that there are a number of ways to find assistance within their community. The positive effects of peer to peer programs have been documented since the late 70's and recent youth surveys "found that personal testimony about real experiences with drugs and alcohol are the most compelling form of prevention, especially when it came from peers or slightly older youth."

Such dramatic results are possible because the student casts of C.A.S.T speak to their peers from their heart. The process is personal and the outcome is theatre. The young cast members, in recovery from addictive disease or co-dependence, undergo intensive training to acquire insight into the internal/external pressures affecting their addiction and recovery. These non-actors "take stage" revealing to audiences the progression of their disease, from the thrill of experimentation to the pain and isolation of addiction or co-addiction, to the impact on family members and finally to the challenge of recovery. Following each performance, there is an honest and candid anonymous question and answer period with each audience. The cast members come to learn that their stories have value and that they truly make a difference. They are actively a part of the solution.

Compass Health Care prevention programs serve more than 25,000 adults and children each year.

C.A.S.T is a program of Compass Health Care, a non-profit organization providing prevention, education and treatment services to Southern Arizona. Parties interested in booking a performance for the coming year or contributing to C.A.S.T in any way should contact the C.A.S.T office at 520-628-3362.