Seven Challenges®

A New Choice - and Voice - For Teen Substance Abuse

Natchaug Hospital is now offering a substance abuse partial hospitalization program and intensive outpatient program for teens.

The Program

The Seven Challenges^® Program was designed with the unique needs of substance-abusing teens in mind. Through the Seven Challenges^®, teens address not only their drug or alcohol use, but also underlying psychological, situational, and life-skills issues.

The Seven Challenges^® provides a framework for helping youth think through their own decisions about their lives and their use of alcohol and other drugs. Counselors trained specifically in the program methodology facilitate discussions that help youth identify and work on the issues most relevant to them, practice new skills, and make positive lifestyle changes.

Natchaug Hospital is pleased to bring this evidence-based treatment program for teens to eastern Connecticut.

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Eligibility

An Effective New Approach to Treating Addiction in Youth
Because Natchaug is committed to providing the most effective, up-to-date treatments, the hospital uses the Seven Challenges^® Program to give young people a framework for recovery. For years, treatment for youth with drug and alcohol problems often focused on requiring them to stop using. Research has shown that this approach is not always effective.

The Seven Challenges^® Program does not force change but instead motivates young people to make a personal commitment to change. The program helps youth examine the importance of their choices and make healthy decisions on their personal road to recovery. The program has been proven effective in treating substance use disorders along with other mental health and trauma-related issues.

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Expectations

The Seven Challenges^® uses a group therapy approach. Therapists trained in the program facilitate discussion and help youth speak openly about addiction. During group discussions, counselors integrate the challenges into the conversation.

The Seven Challenges^® guides youth to make healthy decisions based on these principles:

1. We decided to open up and talk honestly about ourselves and about alcohol and other drugs.
2. We looked at what we liked about alcohol and other drugs and why we were using them.
3. We looked at our use of alcohol or other drugs to determine whether it has caused harm or could cause harm.
4. We examined our responsibility and the responsibility of others for our problems.
5. We considered where we seemed to be headed, where we wanted to go, and what we wanted to accomplish.
6. We made thoughtful decisions about our lives and about our use of alcohol and other drugs.
7. We followed through on our decisions. If we encountered problems, we returned to earlier challenges and worked through them again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Patient Stories

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Locations