Criminal Thinking and Addiction: How Veltex Tackles the Root Causes of Recidivism

At Veltex Recovery Group, we believe recovery is more than abstinence—it’s a full rehabilitation of the body, mind, and behavior. That’s why we integrate evidence-based programming designed specifically for justice-involved individuals. One standout module in our treatment approach is the Criminal & Addictive Thinking curriculum, developed by Hazelden Publishing as part of its Living in Balance (LIB) system.

What Is the Criminal & Addictive Thinking Curriculum?

This specialized curriculum addresses the distorted beliefs and harmful thought patterns that often drive both substance use and criminal behavior. It is tailored for individuals who have experienced incarceration, probation, or legal system involvement.

The curriculum focuses on:

• Recognizing Criminal Thinking Errors: Includes entitlement, power orientation, super-optimism, and justification
• Linking Substance Use to Illegal Behavior: Helps clients explore how addiction and criminal acts reinforce one another
• Restructuring Thoughts: Teaches clients how to challenge and replace distorted thinking with healthy, pro-social beliefs

Why It Matters at Veltex

Many of the women we serve have been referred through court systems, probation, or diversionary programs. These clients often carry not only the weight of addiction but also years of learned behaviors rooted in survival, manipulation, or trauma.

Incorporating the Criminal & Addictive Thinking curriculum allows us to:

✅ Improve treatment engagement by directly addressing clients’ lived experiences
✅ Reduce recidivism through structured cognitive restructuring
✅ Enhance insight and empathy with weekly group discussions and journaling
✅ Support reintegration with new behavioral tools for life outside treatment

How It Works at Veltex

The curriculum is led by trained clinicians and peer recovery specialists and is delivered in weekly group sessions. Each session includes:

• Video scenarios that reflect real-world challenges
• Guided exercises and discussions
• Reflective journaling for personal growth

The program is mandatory for any client identified through screening or referral as having justice involvement, and is woven into Veltex’s larger treatment model alongside trauma recovery, relapse prevention, and life skills training.

Aligned with ASAM & Clinical Excellence

Veltex provides ASAM-aligned services at Levels 3.1 (low-intensity), 3.5 (high-intensity), and expanding 3.7 (medically monitored detox). This curriculum strengthens our clinical distinction by addressing behavioral, psychological, and social drivers of addiction—all emphasized in ASAM’s multidimensional assessment.

By treating the thinking behind the behavior, we address the root cause of relapse and legal recidivism.

Leading the Region in Justice-Informed Recovery

Veltex is one of the few licensed residential recovery centers in West Virginia and the Appalachian region integrating this targeted program. Doing so reinforces our leadership in:

• Innovative treatment for justice-involved populations
• Improving retention and reentry outcomes
• Attracting referrals from courts and community partners

Our commitment to outcomes-driven programming positions us as a trusted ally to legal systems, funding bodies, and families alike.

Final Thought

Criminal and addictive thinking often go hand in hand—but they don’t have to define a person’s future. At Veltex Recovery Group, we help women break these cycles by confronting harmful beliefs and learning new ways to live, think, and thrive.

This is more than rehabilitation. It’s transformation with purpose.