Main Community Rules

Those entering Betel do so on the condition that they voluntarily stop using illegal drugs and alcohol, and comply with the following primary rules (some additional rules will be discussed during your telephone interview).

• Smoking or the use of any tobacco product is not permitted on or off premises.
• Personal money is to be deposited with the staff upon entry. Money not spent on personal needs will be returned upon departing the community. It is not necessary to bring personal money, and we discourage new residents from doing so.
• “Betelitos” travel in pairs or in teams. All residents are to be accompanied by at least one other resident or staff member at all times.
• Incoming residents will undergo an intake procedure, to include the screening of your person and luggage for objectionable materials, and the filling out of an information form with your personal details.
• During the interview and upon entrance, individuals are to inform Betel of their present state of health, particularly of any contagious diseases, and of all pending legal judgements. (Individuals with organic or psychological illnesses may be denied entrance if: the disease is actively contagious; it requires specialised medical attention, or impedes the normal functioning of the community.)
• Residents taking legally prescribed addictive drugs (i.e., methadone, tranquillisers), antidepressants or other long-term prescriptions of mood-altering drugs will not be permitted to reduce their intake as a form of withdrawal. They must take their last dosage before entering Betel. If their physician cannot recommend such action, they are advised to seek detoxification elsewhere before entering Betel.
• Family visits are permitted once a month and require prior notification.
• Telephone calls are not permitted during the first 15 days.
• Residents must refrain from using foul/violent language and violent behaviour.
• New residents generally do not leave the premises for the first 15 days, after which they are assigned to a Betel work team.
• It is recommended that married couples (who enter together) be separated into the single men's and women's communities, until the directors consider them prepared to reunite.
• Those choosing to consistently breach the rules may be asked to leave the residence.