Wilderness Quest's Family Enrichment and wilderness based substance use/abuse treatment programs continually evolve as we keep up on the latest research and development regarding treatment in the field of addictions. Licensed staff are required to obtain continuing education hours every year through workshops and conferences on substance abuse, family systems, and associated issues. This information is passed on to trail staff at regular in-service staff training sessions.

As our client population has changed, Wilderness Quest adjusted to meet the new challenges. We modified our treatment program to address more complex diagnoses. In 1971, the THC content of Marijuana was about 5%; today it is about 35%. As a result, the clients rarely have a clear head after three weeks in the field like they did in 1971. To compensate for this, we have lengthened our program.

Thirty years ago, the average client began using drugs at ages 14 to 16. Now they are often 10 to 12 years old when they begin. A significant phenomenon with marijuana use is that emotional and social development stops with frequent use. Important emotional and social milestones are distorted and developmental stages are missed. We now have 16-year olds that are 11 years old on an emotional maturity level. Sexual activity also begins much younger than it did in the past, which also has a negative impact on social skill development and the ability to interact and relate with the opposite sex.

Violence appears to be more acceptable,especially with females. Males also appear more accepting of violence, with no understanding of the permanent damage and ripple effect it causes. A higher percentage of families are blended. Both parents, and often all four parents, work out of the home. Children have a stronger sense of entitlement, and believe that they shouldn't be in the wilderness receiving therapy, if they don't want to.

As a result of these changes,Wilderness Quest has evolved its treatment approach over the years to help the client and their family address the current issues facing them.

We use 12-step paraprofessionals as trail staff. They share a message of "faith, hope, and experience", and model a successful recovery process. Trail staff operate under the close guidance of Licensed Substance Abuse Counselors and a master's level Clinical Director, all with 12-step recovery backgrounds.

We have developed our own "PERSONAL SUCCESS" and "ACADEMIC" workbooks to meet the current needs of our clients.The SASSI, a national recognized substance abuse evaluation tool, is given to every client. Based on the results of our "behavior checklist", a MMPI may be given which helps evaluate a dual diagnosis. All Treatment Plans and Discharge Summaries are created under the review of a Licensed Professional Counselor.