Teens, Addiction, Residential Care & Natural Highs with Derek Bowles

ABOUT THE EPISODE:Derek Bowles knows a LOT about teens, addiction, substances, and the residential care kids sometimes need when local resources aren't working. Derek founded Crossroads Academy in Ogden, Utah over 13 years ago to serve as a place where adolescent boys who are struggling with substance misuse can get away from their home environment (and all that comes with it) and experience the power of getting high - naturally. One of the unique aspects of residential living at Crossroads is the adolescent boys participate in X-Game type sports as a way to connect with themselves, their bodies and their therapy team. Wakeboarding, skiing, mountain biking, rock-climbing and gym sessions are all part of the average day for these guys who are in the process of rebuilding their lives. In this episode you'll hear:⁠why sometimes kids need to get out of their life for a while and go to residential treatment (and when they shouldn't)⁠how to differentiate typical teen behavior and high-risk behavior like drug use⁠the two things that research shows works better than treatment and medication⁠why adventure-based treatment specifically is so effective with teens⁠what to look for if you're considering out-of-home care⁠two things Derek wishes parents would stop doingwhy parents have a hard time figuring out how much risk their child is in⁠EPISODE RESOURCES:Crossroads AcademyBrainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage BrainEnlightenment Now, Stephen Pinkerhttps://evoketherapy.com/Journey of the Heroic Parent - Dr. Brad ReedyDr. Brad Reedy podcastThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream CommunityLearn about The Stream, our private online community for momsFind us on Instagram hereWatch the podcast on YouTube hereDownload a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and AlcoholHopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.