Teen Challenge is one of the oldest, largest and most successful programs of its kind in the world. Established in 1958 by David Wilkerson, Teen Challenge has grown to more than 170 centers in the United States.
According to the 2002 National Survey on Drug Use, an estimated 7.7 million individuals age 12 or older were in need of care for an illicit drug problem. Furthermore, an estimated 18.6 million persons age 12 or older were in need of assistance for an alcohol problem. Teen Challenge has responded with action to statistics like these. Providing residential and non-residential care for thousands of men and women seeking freedom from life-controlling problems, Teen Challenge has become their answer.
In the process of breaking down the addiction cycle, Teen Challenge has become a solution to the addiction crisis. Teen Challenge is known throughout the world for providing successful recovery programs. Enthusiastic law enforcement officials, judges, mayors, governors and other prominent community and country leaders advocate the mission of Teen Challenge. Several United States presidents have voiced their appreciation for the unique work of Teen Challenge.
Is Teen Challenge just for teens?
No, the vast majority of centers are actually for adults ages 18 and up. The directory of centers lists the centers and provides the gender and age brackets for each program.
Is Teen Challenge a medical program?
Teen Challenge believes in the faith model and concentrates on focusing attention on God and His will for those that enter the program as well as those who are being assisted in some of the services offered. While recognizing the need for expertise in some areas, Teen Challenge does not subscribe to the medical model of helping an individual involved in drug abuse.
Why is Teen Challenge effective?
Some might say that it is the length of the program (12-18 months) along with the religious environment that helps people kick the habits that have been formed over the years. We believe it is because of something (or someone) we call “the Jesus Factor.” When a person finds a relationship with God everything changes. New priorities, attitudes, reactions, plans and goals in life all add up to real change. New-found life in Christ and learning biblical principles for daily living replace the old lifestyle and the attitudes and behaviors underlying them.
Is Teen Challenge open to people of all faiths?
Teen Challenge is based foundationally on a literal interpretation of the Protestant Bible. It is our belief that applying the principles of Scripture to a person’s life will enrich their life and provide them with a path of a personal relationship with God. Certainly people of other faiths may enter the program but, as they are informed of the nature of the program, they voluntarily choose to participate. It is not required that a student have a conversion experience to enter or complete, but conversion is regarded as the greatest hope for breaking an addiction.
What is a crisis center?
This varies from center to center but generally this is an office with staff members who are capable of crisis intervention and referring an individual into a residential program. Teen Challenge has several residential crisis centers that serve as holding facilities until there is room in an induction center but the majority of crisis centers are non-residential.
To find out more information or to get help, email info@teenchallenge.com