Teen Challenge Put to the Challenge

Teen Challenge Put to The Challenge

I interviewed Dwight today. During the interview I learned how going through the program at Teen Challenge helped Dwight through one of the biggest obstacle in his life. Dwight started drinking at a very early age; when he was in his early teens. He had a long hard struggle with substance abuse. He never committed any crimes against anyone else, or spent time in prison. He did have at least two DUI(s); for drinking while driving, over a period of years. Even with the DUI(s); he didn't realize that he had a problem.

One of his friends's had a long term illness. When his friend died at the early age of 38; Dwight drowned his feelings in alcohol. He felt that he needed a drink to get through it all. He couldn't handle going to the funeral and facing the sadness of his friend's family. Instead he stayed at home and had a few cans of beer.

In those days; the answer to his problems, pains, and sorrows, were found in substance abuse.

One day Dwight found out about Teen Challenge. He decided to give Teen Challenge a try. Dwight had very long hair. His hair hung past his shoulders and down his back, when he drove himself to Teen Challenge office to register for the program.

He was very lucky; there were openings that very same day. The program was also free of charge. However, Dwight met his first and second big challenge. Male students could not have long hair. He would have to get a hair cut. Second, no students were allowed to have automobiles at the center. Dwight would have to park his car at a relative or a friend's house.

As much as he hated parting with his long hair and his car; Dwight decided he needed the program more. He parked his car at his parent's house. He went to the barber shop and got a short hair cut. And he went back to Teen Challenge; to register for the program. Dwight thought, oh well, I can grow back my hair after I graduate the program.