Skip to main content

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!
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Young Boy and the Rattlesnake

By Stephen C. Schultz (Editors note: This is a story used in a Wilderness Treatment Program. Many come to this program having struggled with depression, anxiety and substance use.)   Many years ago there was a young Native American who lived in the very land you are residing in. He decided to seek wisdom by journeying to the top of Indian Peak. As he approached the base of the mountain he came across a rattlesnake that slithered beside him. The snake coiled as if to strike and the young boy moved back quickly in fear of being struck by the snake’s deadly venom. At that instant the snake spoke to the boy saying, “Don’t be afraid of me, I mean you no harm. I come to you to ask a favor. I see that you are about to traverse to the top of Indian Peak and was hoping that you may be willing to place me in your satchel so that I don’t have to make the long journey alone.” The young boy surprised by the snake’s request quickly responded by turning down the offer, stating, ...
5 comments
Read more

Holiday Insight: Finding Grace in Imperfect Relationships

 By Stephen C. Schultz As we once again head into the Holiday Season, it is important to be aware of the impact of the holidays on those we love and care about. The holidays are often described as a time of joy, family, and celebration. But for many, they bring a quieter reality - one marked by stress, loneliness, or the resurfacing of painful memories. For some people, the holidays represent connection and renewal. For others, they stir up what has been lost, what never was, or what once hurt too much to recall. The very things that make the season feel special - music, smells, family gatherings - can also awaken deep emotional undercurrents, especially for those with a history of trauma. Why the Holidays Can Trigger Past Trauma Many people who have experienced trauma - especially early childhood or relational trauma - notice that this season brings unexpected emotional intensity. Science now confirms what survivors have long known: certain times of year can activate implicit ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The definition of insanity…the sanity of recovery!

By Stephen C. Schultz We have all heard the old saying, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and over again, expecting a different result." As I work with teens and families that struggle with a myriad of problems, the one thing that amazes me is the tendency for families to keep thinking and behaving in the same ways and expecting positive changes to take effect. How often do we hope to change our destination in life, but fail to change the route? Here is fun story with a great message! Autobiography in Five Short Chapters By Portia Nelson Chapter One I walk down the street.      There is a deep hole in the sidewalk      I fall in.      I am lost...I am helpless      It is not my fault.      It takes forever to find a way out. Chapter Two I walk down the same street.      There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. ...
Post a Comment
Read more