There Is No Such Thing As Drug and Alcohol Treatment For Adolescents, with Robert Schwebel and Lynn SmithThere Is No Such Thing As Drug and Alcohol Treatment For Adolescents, with Robert Schwebel and Lynn Smith
Hopestream for parenting kids through drug use and addiction
Discover the Seven Challenges Program's fresh take on treating adolescent substance misuse through respect and open dialogue.
46:29•21 Mar 2024
Redefining Adolescent Substance Treatment: The Seven Challenges Program
Episode Overview
- The Seven Challenges program empowers adolescents to make positive life choices
- Focuses on understanding the root causes of drug use rather than immediate abstinence demands
- Encourages open dialogue and mutual respect for fostering change
- Supports a supportive environment for young individuals to explore their decisions
- Insightful discussion on the importance of addressing the reasons behind substance misuse
“People use drugs in response to the circumstances of their lives... You're really doing life counseling when you work with young people... There are reasons people use drugs, and if we're not dealing with the reasons, we're really leaving them out in the cold.”
Imagine being told that the traditional methods for treating adolescent substance misuse might be missing the mark. That’s exactly what Dr. Robert Schwebel thought when he was asked to develop a new drug program for teens. Initially reluctant, Robert met with a local treatment agency to share his unconventional ideas: don't promise instant sobriety, help kids make better choices, and incorporate life counseling. Surprisingly, the agency embraced his vision, leading to the creation of the Seven Challenges Program.
In this episode, host Brenda Zane sits down with Robert Schwebel and Lynn Smith, co-founder of Elements Wilderness, to discuss this groundbreaking approach. They delve into why demanding immediate abstinence is often unrealistic for teens and how mutual respect and open dialogue can lead to more effective outcomes. Lynn shares how the Seven Challenges Program has been successfully implemented at Elements Wilderness, providing a fresh perspective on adolescent treatment.
If you're a parent grappling with your teen's substance use, this episode offers a refreshing take on fostering positive change and understanding the root causes behind their choices.
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