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Battling the "Revolving Door" of Recovery

By Stephen C. Schultz 


Her steps were slow and steady. The red rocks beneath her feet and the azure blue sky overhead created a remarkably beautiful scene. She felt a sense of peacefulness and a calm demeanor she had never experienced before. This was an adventure she wouldn’t have appreciated were it not for her family recommending she seek help one more time. It's hard to believe it has only been three weeks. 

Usually, she didn't like wide-open spaces. She craved the flurry of crowded parties, the nightlife of hanging out with friends, and the excitement that social media afforded her. She was like a cat chasing its tail, always searching for the next thrilling experience but never finding it. She found herself in increasingly compromising situations, taking unnecessary risks. The feelings of embarrassment had long since subsided, and she numbly accepted each new day. 




Her family was concerned. There were regular fights and hurt feelings. They painfully witnessed the twinkle in her eyes fade and a sad hollowness consume her. It was time to intervene yet again, and they were relieved when she lowered her guard just enough to agree. 

 RedCliff Ascent is an adventure-based, outdoor behavioral healthcare program specifically designed for working with teens who struggle with substance use and other co-occurring issues. Participants use the wilderness to disrupt compulsive patterns of unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. In this environment, clients can focus on recovery and begin repairing the relationships they have harmed—with friends, family, and above all, themselves. 

Living day to day in the backcountry allows each individual to detoxify both physically and emotionally. They are actively involved in an individualized treatment plan that may include mindfulness, narrative family therapy, the 12 steps, personal reflection, adventure-based activities, and the exploration of spirituality. A clean diet and regular exercise also contribute to a healthier therapeutic process. 

If you have any questions, be sure to contact Darcy. She is here to help you learn more about RedCliff and the journey to health. 

Darcy will answer your questions, inspire hope, guide you, and walk beside you throughout the process. It's not just what she does—it's who she is. 

Darcy Holt
Admissions:   DarcyH@redcliffascent.com 

Together, we can instill hope, heal families, and help individuals flourish!
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