Addicted to Technology
School, work, friends and family are all significant sources of stress for teens and young adults. “Techno-stress” describes another type of stress facing young people today – one brought on by the onslaught of technology young people use on a daily basis. Continue Reading Addicted to Technology
A Heroic Journey Toward Addiction Recovery
Throughout history, young people have taken part in traditional rites of passage to mark their transition from childhood to adulthood. Continue reading A Heroic Journey Toward Addiction Recovery
Treating Dual Diagnosis in a 12-Step Program
People with a dual diagnosis of addiction and mental illness face a number of unique challenges, as the interplay between the two conditions can be complex to diagnose and treat. Continue reading Treating Dual Diagnosis in a 12-Step Program
Holistic Wilderness Therapy: Restoring Mind, Body, and Spirit to Young People in Recovery
An Interview with Dennis Thompson, LSAC
By Meghan Vivo
In the classroom, teachers often appeal to as many senses as possible, with demonstrations for visual learners, discussions for auditory learners, and activities for tactile learners. Research suggests that we retain 10% of what we read, 20% of what we hear, 30% of what we see, 50% of what we see and hear, 70% of what we discuss, and 90% of what we say and do. This means that for most people, learning is most effective when it becomes an experience rather than a lesson. Continue reading Holistic Wilderness Therapy >>
Emerging Adulthood and Recovery Work at Passages to Recovery
Bryan Thomas, MAI
Within the age range of twelve to eighteen, the developmental theorist Erik Erikson identified the psychosocial crisis of ego identity versus role confusion. Dr. Erikson defined ego identity as knowing who you are and how you fit in, molding what you have learned into an integrated self-image. In order to avoid role confusion at this stage, it is important to recognize the significance of the transition taking place from childhood into adulthood. One means to foster this recognition is a rite of passage. At Passages To Recovery, we use rites of passage to assist our clients to find their own adult answer to the question, “Who am I.” Continue reading emerging adulthood and recovery work >>
Addiction is a Brain Disease that can be Successfully Treated in Young Adults
Aaron Lopez, LSAC
In recent years there have been great breakthroughs regarding the neuroscience of addiction. These findings indicate there are changes in the reward center of the brain. These changes are initiated by the person feeling an excessive amount of stress. The addicted person then begins to rely on the chemical to relieve stress. As the disease of addiction develops the midbrain begins to "depend on the substance for survival." The successful treatment of the chemically dependent person requires abstinence (Hoffman, 2003). This period of abstinence will allow the brain to begin adjusting to functioning without the foreign chemicals. The chemically dependent person will also need to develop skills to cope with common stressors. In young adults, it will be also be necessary to address their developmental needs (Gillispie, 2006). Let's first take look at the emotional state of the chemically dependent person without the substance: restless, irritable, and discontented. Continue reading addiction is a brain disease >>
When Passages students return to the The Valley Site, they write a new version of their life story, one that includes the lessons learned out in the wilderness. Here is one student's new Life Story, which he kindly agreed to share.
A Life Story
Edward B. , Student
Years ago in a far away land there lived a young boy with a grave problem. Though he was well liked by his village and praised for his talents and charm, he did not love himself. He carved a smile into his face and pretended to be happy, fooling many but he knew and the Great Spirit knew and the self hatred remained. Continue reading a life story >>