young adult's addiction leads family to unique wilderness therapy program

(LOA, UT - July 31, 2006)  - In his early teens, James who had been a straight-A student turned to methamphetamines to help him cope with his mother's near-fatal illness and to be accepted by peers. Little did he know that just a few years later the drug would place him in his own life-or-death struggle to overcome addiction.  James' journey to overcome addiction at Passages To Recovery, a unique wilderness-based substance recovery program, was featured on the July 30, 2006, episode of A&E Television Network's documentary series "INTERVENTION."

"With the help of A&E Television, James' mother was introduced to Passages To Recovery for the treatment of her son," states a Passages To Recovery representative. "Passages To Recovery incorporates individual, group and family therapy, proven treatment methods, and a 12-Step philosophy to create a successful 'wilderness rehab' experience for young adults."

Based in central Utah, Passages To Recovery is a program of Aspen Education Group, the nation's private-sector leader in providing therapeutic education to under-achieving or struggling young people. "Passages To Recovery is an incredible program that brought hope, joy and love back into our lives," said mom Marybeth. "The tools and knowledge they taught at Passages To Recovery were unbelievable," James' father, James Sr., noted. "James' outlook on life has done a complete turnaround."

"During my therapy in the wilderness, I learned self-reliance and self-confidence, and most importantly I learned how to face my fears without drugs," said James. "I hope my experience can help others understand that they can overcome addiction at programs like Passages To Recovery."

According to the representative, students like James benefit from the individualized clinical care and therapy they receive from the program's professional therapists and wilderness guides. "The Passages To Recovery wilderness rehab program is designed specifically for young adults who are 18-30 years old; and it allows them to experience success and develop self-esteem by overcoming the physical, mental and emotional challenges of living in the wilderness," she added. "Students experience firsthand the transformational power of nature through unique wilderness experiences like sweat lodges and vision quests."

After James' successful wilderness treatment at Passages To Recovery, he continued his recovery process at NorthStar Center, an Aspen Education Group young-adult aftercare program in Bend, Oregon.

Aspen's success in helping young people overcome substance abuse has been documented and featured in international media, including the United States' nationally syndicated "Dr. Phil" and in the United Kingdom on ITV's "Britain's Youngest Boozers" and "Tonight with Trevor McDonald." Aspen's programs also have been featured on CNN, National Public Radio, "Dateline NBC," NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America," and in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times Magazine, U.S. News & World Report, and USA Today.

Aspen's programs offer a combination of education and therapy or counseling for young people who have demonstrated behavioral, learning or substance use issues that interfere with their performance in school and their relations with peers, family and friends. Aspen's offerings range from short-term interventions to long-term programs, and include a variety of settings, including wilderness therapy, boarding schools, residential treatment, and weight-loss programs.

For more information on A&E INTERVENTION, please visit www.aetv.com/intervention.