I thought I might but called someone hoping that was where they and bunch of young folks I know chose to go but they were at a place called Crossroads.....not teen challenge....but it seems a good idea what do your parentals think of it or are you even under that kind of thumb now? I forget...been while since I seen you posting so nice to see your thinking of going off to rehab...good luck and love hugs and shiat
bill

Hi Bill...dont let the name confuse you.this is for people all ages.whats scares me is,that this program is very religious and the long time to be away.year is loooooong time.Im adult so it isup to me.alsothey makeyouwork and helparoundandyouwont pay almost nothing.

Are you a Christian? Just took a look at the website and you are right it is very religious. Wonder about how difficult that would be for someone who wasnt already a Christian.

Do you feel that you have exhausted all other possibilities - AA or other programs in your own community or other treatment options? A year is a long time but if you feel you have tried everything else then it is certainly worth thinking about.

yes.Im catholic.andgoingto AA.have sponsor.Just strugle with self discipline etc.:-)

Teen challenge is a ministry of the Assembly of God, the church I grew up in and my family is still in (I've become Episcopalian). I have heard good things about them, and sometimes "graduates" would come and speak at our church and give their stories. You're right, they are not all teens, some middle aged, etc.
Anything associated with the AG church is going to be very conservative, so only you can decide if you are comfortable with that type of program.
All the best, I hope you get the help you need.

thank you queenie.yea.conservative.But I believe that they helped a lots of people.also people have to participate in church quire at ministries.thats scary for me.

Yes, they have helped people from all walks of life, not just conservative Christians. I didn't mean to imply that. I'm almost positive that Lindsay Lohan's father went through that program while in prison, and is now a counselor. You can google that. Not that it matters, but it's just interesting.
Billy Graham says good things about it too.

sounds great.unknow is always scary.

So....i decided I will go.Just gonna find out more info about financing.
keep it strong friends.alcohol wont get us.:-)

It seems you are giving this a lot of thought and it's good you are aware that, if you go, it is a long term commitment.

While you are gathering information are you going to ask about conditions regarding cutting short that commitment if you have to/want to?

I wish you all the best, you want to recover and that is the most important factor in all of this. How you approach that is entirely up to you, of course, and looking at it from every angle - including how committed you are personally - will help you a lot.

Don't know of this particular program, but I'm aware of the Teen Challenge ministry. It started in the inner city streets of New York in the 1950's to help minister to kids that were in street gangs, with no way out of that life. Since then it's expanded to other areas, but they are a solid organization.

My only observations are:
1) A year or more seems like a long time in-patient rehab. Have you ever considered a 90 day program?
2) Are you sure this program is designed to meet your needs? In my past experience, teen challenge's main ministry is geared to teens and young adults who have been raised in hard circumstances and need a way out. That's one reason they have a facility in ND. It can take kids far away from the inner cities and expose them to a completely different environment.

I would never discourage anyone from seeking rehab if they feel that it's the best option. I'd just say that you should ask them questions and tell them about your personal situation before committing to this one. And if they offer a tour of the facility or a per-counseling session, then it wouldn't hurt to talk to them.

Ask questions and research Europagrl. Is there a way you can go visit the site perhaps stay for a weekend prior to committing. Wish you well on whatever you decide. keep us informed :}

I agree with the previous comments...ask a lot of questions before you commit to anything and keep us posted.

I would really give this some serious thought. A 12-14 month program seems pretty extreme

I think that these 90 day programs are ineffective largely because people need to be there longer. If this place is not a bunch of religious kooks (sorta being sarcastic-but be careful) I think that length of time is very reasonable. This is one hard thing to kick-and we all need different levels of intervention. I do not think most of us would want to go away that long-and I think most of us would need to though to make a permanent change.