Uncertain and hesitant upon first entering, I can now say, without reservation, that Teen Challenge was the best decision I could have made and the most transformative year of my life.

Teen Challenge is a one-year, in-residence, faith-based rehabilitation program for those struggling with substance addiction. One comes to realize fairly quickly – whether as a participant, facilitator, or supporter of the program – substance addiction is only the surface issue. Or, as AA describes it, the failed solution.

What sets Teen Challenge apart from many other treatment centres is both its length and its focus on God as the ultimate Healer and Physician. While sobriety requires personal effort and discipline, self-will only goes so far. True and lasting healing requires God’s transformative power to reveal and heal the emotional roots of trauma and ultimately sustain sobriety.

God’s healing most often requires time, within a space that intentionally removes the noise of competing influences. This is one of the reasons Teen Challenge is so effective. The program also offers Spirit-led, one-on-one addiction counselling provided by highly trained and experienced Christian therapists, along with a daily structure that fosters consistency, accountability, and a strong work ethic.

I cannot fully express how profoundly God has worked in my life during—and since—my time at Teen Challenge. Among many things, He has brought deep healing from past trafficking and domestic abuse, restored relationships with family and friends, made a way toward financial restoration, and opened the door for me to pursue Him through a Master of Theological Studies.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power at work within us, to Him be glory… in Christ Jesus… forever and ever! Amen.”

Ephesians 3:20–21

Teen Challenge is truly doing God’s work, and I am forever grateful.