The center does that with something called the body wrap. The result, says Weber, is to increase the kids' awareness of how they're self-medicating their feelings with drugs. Patients also build a time line, outlining the various traumas in their lives, and whether they're linked to drug use. A four-day program encompassing families also is included for both programs, as are various challenge exercises, such as rock climbing. After treatment is done, the facility will recommend some sort of follow-up, ranging from more therapy to going to AA meetings.
Funding comes through tobacco tax money.
Most of the patients are ordered into treatment through Pima County Juvenile Court. And once in a while, kids will take off. The center uses a 12-step treatment model, combined with cognitive therapy. Families also are included, with a family session during one week of the 30-day stay. Developed by Tucson psychologist Robert Schwebel, Seven Challenges eschews the more traditional 12-step program, particularly its demand that users admit they're powerless.