At Adult & Teen Challenge we base our philosophy and curriculum for addiction recovery on God’s Word – the Bible. Our 200+ adult and adolescent locations offer practical, Bible-based courses. These classes facilitate the transition from alcoholism and substance abuse to a life of hope and freedom in Christ.
We feel our role is to provide the most conducive environment possible for the healing of the student with life-controlling problems. All parts of the student’s day are created to help the needs of the whole person, not just their drug problem.
The focus of the daily activities from classes to work to recreation is to give time and attention to learning a new way of living. Students learn to put their new way of life into action over a period of time. This is the major reason Adult & Teen Challenge is a 12-month program, not a 30 day program.
A day in the life. . .
This is not the schedule of any one location. Schedules vary between locations. It’s always a good idea to ask their particular daily schedule. This may seem intimidating, but students adjust quickly to the routine within the center.
Wake up
Students rise early, get dressed for the day.
Devotions
Personal devotions are an import part of their recovery process. Students may use devotional books and/or the Bible for this personal time.
Breakfast
All meals are served in the cafeteria and eaten with other students and staff. Students are expected to take part in the preparation and cleanup for the meals.
Morning Chapel
This is a time to worship and thank God for the changes He is making in their lives. There’s Biblical instruction to start their day. Music plays an important role in the transformation of the students. They learn to express joy through worship in chapel and choir activities.
Group Studies – Lecture style classes
These classes are structured around specific issues relevant to the needs of the students. Students are encouraged to participate in the group discussions.
Personal Studies
In these individualized studies, student work through Biblical curriculum to help them accept the reality of their addiction. They also discover the new person God wants them to be. To learn new attitudes and behaviors for their new life, students must evaluate their past experience.
Lunch
Another time for students and staff to eat a meal together.
Work Detail
The primary goal of work is to teach the student proper attitudes toward work. Students may be assigned to work at the center, a community project, or an outside work project. The work portion of the program offers the student the opportunity to see concrete results of their physical out-put. Students learn to appreciate the sense of accomplishment that comes with a job well-done.
Recreation Time
Recreational activities vary greatly between centers and can be privileges to be earned at some locations. Learning how to enjoy leisure time without using drugs is a vital part of the recovery process. Physical activities are helpful for students’ overall health and wellness.
Dinner
Another community meal for students and staff eat together and share their day.
Study Hall
This is time for students to work on their class work for their Group Studies class or their Personal Studies classes. This gives students an opportunity to schedule their time to meet their goals.
Evening Chapel
Another time to worship God and reflect on the day’s activities.
Lights Out
Most centers practice an early “lights out” policy so students will get a good night’s sleep. This is a learning experience for many students to learn to go to bed early and rise early.
All these activities vary between locations, but they are built into the schedule in some way. The goal of all these areas is to enable each student to learn to function in society as a responsible person. They learn to apply biblical principles in relationships with family, community, their local church and their employment. There is real hope for every addict. No one is viewed as beyond help if they are ready and willing to change.
