Drug Treatment Rehab Program for Teens and Adults

what we do

Passages To Recovery is an outdoor treatment program that operates in the majestic red rock canyons and the high mountain forests of south central Utah. This setting assists participants toward a passage into self-discovery and offers numerous daily opportunities to connect with the concept of a Higher Power as a foundation to the Twelve Steps. The wilderness environment, coupled with the diversity of the land, provides participants with a truly unique opportunity to establish the framework for the healthy, supportive relationships that will sustain a sober lifestyle.

The Wilderness Experience
This aspect of Passages To Recovery rapidly addresses the sense of isolation experienced by many people in the cycle of substance abuse. The small numbers of students and high staffing ratios allow for effective communication and the development of authentic relationships. Through experience students discover that they are capable of meeting challenges and not only survive, but actually thrive, through the process.

Focus on the individual provides many opportunities to establish a pattern of "programmed unavoidable successes" through the application of the tangible and intangible skills required to function in the wilderness setting. An example of how the wilderness experience develops sober skills through teaching is demonstrated by camp set-up. During this process we focus on the individual's self-care, planning to maintain comfort in the varied conditions students may encounter in the wilderness setting. Identifying an appropriate camp site in terms of level ground, the absence of rocks, shelter from the wind, and so forth, can teach much about the necessity for awareness, planning and decision-making which can minimize the difficulties presented by different weather conditions. The lesson transitions easily into a discussion about the characteristics of relationships that would support a healthy and sober lifestyle.

Passages To Recovery teaches primitive wilderness skills. This provides an experience to work through frustration while becoming competent at difficult tasks with immediate benefits to the individual and the group.

A loving non-judgmental culture helps each student to develop the sense of acceptance and accountability which is foundational to healthy relationships. This results in an increased sense of awareness in terms of self-care with regards to communication and practical skills among peers.

Gear and equipment are provided to each student. These items are new and belong to the student. The weather conditions and terrain can provide specific challenges within each season. The gear we provide to our students will meet the varied needs of each student's experience. In addition, our students are then prepared to access the wilderness following their Passages To Recovery experience.

Sweat Lodges provide an experience in which self-consciousness is diminished within the ceremony of this structured activity. Deliberate effort is focused on establishing a supportive environment. The Sweat Lodge is a cleansing, renewing process in the physical sense (the experience is similar to a ceremonial sauna) and a cathartic experience in an emotional sense. Sweat Lodges are a routine activity throughout the program.

The Vision Quest is the peak experience within the Passages To Recovery journey. In a practical sense, through preparation for and participation in the Vision Quest, each student will make him or herself available for a profoundly personal spiritual experience. The preparation phase includes supporting others as they identify their goals and desires for the experience. Students share the experience with the group demonstrating the benefits to those contemplating the activity. The Vision Quest is designed to be a three day, solo experience. Students participate in a Sweat Lodge with their group prior to leaving for their Vision Quest site. The camp site is identified and prepared with the student's profile in mind. There are clear agreements about remaining within the perimeter. Students are equipped with water and a drink mix (for electrolyte and blood sugar maintenance) and these are replenished daily. Vision Quest sites are located within shouting distance from the group and are monitored around the clock by the guides. Once the Vision Quest is completed, students rejoin the group, eat a light meal, and participate in a Sweat Lodge and then a feast. During this time students have the opportunity to share about their experience. There is more to the experience than is at first obvious. Many students digest the experience for several weeks, recognizing significance as they move forward in their lives.

Comprehensive Clinical Assessment and Care
Passages To Recovery is focused on treatment of young adult substance abuse and related issues. Comprehensive clinical assessment, coupled with education which supports appropriate self-care are effective in providing key components toward the development of a healthy, stable, sober lifestyle.

Psychiatric Evaluation: Each student will have a psychiatric evaluation, treatment recommendations and the opportunity to receive consensual routine care.

Individualized Treatment: Students participate in a comprehensive bio-psycho-social interview with a Master's level therapist which results in an individualized clinical plan as a guide for treatment.

Physical Evaluation: Students undergo a physical examination and related lab-work to determine appropriateness for the wilderness environment. Medical field visits take place every week and as needed.

Psychological Testing: Each student participates in psychological testing as part of the Passages to Recovery program.

Therapist's Role: Students work individually with their therapist who also interfaces with key support people toward the development of boundaries and behaviors which are productive and accountable.

Two-Day Family Communication Workshop: The program culminates with a workshop designed to clarify roles and boundaries for family members. This experience provides an opportunity for a fresh start with a clear plan for maintaining accountability and moving forward.

Twelve Step Recovery Model
The Twelve Step Recovery model is based on the worldwide fellowship of programs like Alcoholics Anonymous ©, Narcotics Anonymous ©, Alanon © etc. The success and availability of these community based groups will offer our students the opportunity to participate in easily accessible meetings supporting the development of a sober lifestyle.

Wilderness can increase an individual's sense of spirituality. The Twelve Step model is designed to encourage a relationship with a Higher Power as the means to relief from the addictive cycle. The combination of these two elements serves to provide an experiential process in substance abuse treatment.

The wilderness environment effectively stimulates the authentic spiritual awakening that is foundational to a Twelve Step recovery lifestyle.

Completion of Steps One through Five prior to the Vision Quest are standard goals for Passages To Recovery treatment.

Deliberate Planning and Progression
Transition: Each student begins the program at the MAPS House for five to seven days before joining their group in the field. This allows for assessment, learning style evaluation, physical conditioning and acclimatization, daily attendance of Twelve Step meetings, preparation for smoking cessation and comprehensive work on the First Step.

The MAPS House also allows for an individualized experience building relationships and developing trust as each student progresses in treatment.

Following the Two-Day Family Communication Workshop, students return to the MAPS House for seven days. During this time students continue their work on relapse prevention and explore extended care options through research and interviewing. These students fulfill a leadership role at the MAPS House, reinforcing what they have learned by sharing their experience, strength, and hope with the new Passages To Recovery students.