What young people can expect during their stay

As a young person, you might be having mixed feelings about coming to Hazelden.
You may be coming because your parents forced you, your school recommended it, or because you realized that you needed to do this to get control of your life again. Whatever the reason, know that you have made the right choice. At Hazelden, we are dedicated to helping you improve your life and getting you back on track.

Although you may not realize it, your drug or alcohol use has been harming your life in many different ways. Addiction causes problems in different areas of a person's life. It can be hard to see those problems until you have overcome them and are looking back at the way your life used to be while you were drinking or getting high.

• Addiction causes problems with family and friends. Did you have a good friend who isn't so close anymore? Is your relationship with your siblings or parents deteriorating? These relationship issues are often a direct result of addiction. Addiction can cause people to lose interest in the people and the things that are important to them. It can cause someone to become an entirely different person.
• Addiction has a huge impact on education. When a person is addicted to drugs or alcohol, it is harder for him or her to devote time to school and work. Although this may not seem important to you right now, your grades in school and your dedication to work will have a large impact on how the rest of your life will go. Your grades will have a big role in determining what colleges you get into, while your work experience will prepare you for a better job in the future.

You may not know it, but the addiction you have been struggling with may be affecting the lives of your parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends and teachers. All of these people care about you and are probably being affected in some way.

Right now you are probably thinking that treatment at Hazelden is going to be boring or pointless—that people at Hazelden are just going to tell you what to do, or that "they won't understand." The people at Hazelden do understand, though. Here at Hazelden, we have treated thousands of young people who have been right where you are. Many young people come into treatment at Hazelden thinking they don't have a problem or don't need to change. When they leave, they're filled with hope and ready to begin their new lives. You may not think you have a problem, but if you do, we are here to help you.

Your experience at Hazelden will be far from boring. Hazelden understands that lectures and speeches can be irritating and dull. Because of this, Hazelden has designed its programs and its Plymouth, Minnesota facility specifically for treating adolescents and young adults.  Individual counseling and group therapy will allow you to talk with your peers about issues specific to your life, whether it be parents, friends, school, money, law, or anything else that's important to you. As you discuss these topics, you will begin to realize that drugs and alcohol are not necessary in order to live a happy and fulfilling life.

We also understand that in your life, people are often telling you what to do and how to do it. At Hazelden, you will be treated with dignity and respect. The counselors will be encouraging growth and giving you responsibility so that you can reach your full potential. This unique approach is why Hazelden is recognized as a national leader in the treatment of youth alcohol and drug addiction. You've chosen a good place.

Along with peer interaction, Hazelden has a variety of programs to make treatment more enjoyable for you. Not only is there a variety of recreational activities at our center, you will also be involved in many activities outside the center. On-site activities include arts and crafts, movies, karaoke, creative expression, walks through the surrounding grounds, jam sessions, ping-pong, etc. You will also have the opportunity to exercise three times a week at the local YMCA. Other off-site recreation opportunities include cultural activities such as going to the theater, attending sporting events, watching movies, and other activities.

You will be staying in comfortable rooms with three of your peers, and you will share a bathroom and an outdoor balcony. Each unit lounge has a TV and comfortable sofas and is a great place for you to relax and hang out with your peers and friends. Hazelden's youth addiction treatment facility is located in Plymouth, Minnesota, which is a suburb of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The campus is on 15 wooded acres next to beautiful Medicine Lake and features scenic winding trails for running and walking.

Here at Hazelden, we care about each and every individual. Every young person who enters our program gets his or her own treatment plan designed specifically to meet their needs. Before and during your admission, a team of professionals will analyze all the unique aspects of your life that may have led you to use drugs or alcohol in the first place. As you progress further along in your recovery, this team will continue to update your care plan to make sure it meets all of your needs appropriately.

You won't be the only one making changes during your time at Hazelden—your parents will be as well. If they participate in the Parent Program, they will meet with other parents and Hazelden counselors to better understand what you are going through. They will learn about what they can do to make your recovery easier and more successful. You will also have a chance to meet together with a counselor and your parents, a perfect time to discuss your individual perspectives and discuss why you each act the way you do. This will provide for a better understanding of what you each are feeling. If there is tension between you and your parents, this meeting will help address that too. It may also help give you and your parents more effective ways to handle disagreements in the future.

Before you leave, we will help you learn how to manage schoolwork. Hazelden has a licensed teacher who works on-site during the school year to help you stay up to date on assignments from your school at home. Talk to your counselor if this service is of interest to you. Hazelden will also help you learn how to make new friends and live independently.

We understand that this is a difficult time for you and that you can't imagine your life right now without alcohol, drugs or your using friends. Once you complete treatment, you will feel exactly the opposite. You will be confident and ready to embrace your life and reach your full potential without substances. We are here to show you how.

If you have any questions or concerns during your stay, don't hesitate to ask. We are here to make your stay as comfortable as possible and to give you confidence that this is the right path for you.