Rehab continues in relationships even after graduation from our Christian boarding school.
After a student graduates from the behavioral therapy program at our Christian boarding school, it is natural to assume that prior relationships before entrance into the program will be very different moving forward after teen rehab.
Following a student’s graduation from Ozarks Teen Challenge, the response from friends and family may vary based on the individual. Some will respond with support. Others may respond more negatively. Our youth programs help graduates develop the discretion they need to be able to determine which relationships should be severed and which ones can be salvaged. Our Christian boarding school staff works with students to help them focus on building healthy relationships both during and after their rehab program.
It’s also important to remember that each Ozarks Teen Challenge graduate will be very different after graduation. Our teen rehab program isn’t just about getting clean or changing behaviors – it’s about an overall life transformation that begins with a relationship with Christ. Students will leave OTC with a completely different outlook on life, a sense of responsibility and dedication to their faith, and a Godly vision for their life.
Some friends and family members may not understand the changes, and that’s okay. Graduates just need to be honest about their recovery, be open to sharing their story, and give themselves (as well as others) time to adjust.
Rebuilding Relationships After Leaving Our Christian Boarding School
Relationships are often left hanging by a thread in the wake of addiction and behavioral issues. Although our Christian boarding school rehab program incorporates family involvement into the recovery process, there is still much work to do after graduation.
Trust
Rebuilding trust among family and friends is quite possibly the most difficult part of drug treatment and recovery. There is no specific time frame or list of instructions to follow to restore the trust that was lost, but it all starts with the student accepting responsibility for his actions. This is addressed during our teen rehab program but should be continued outside of therapy as well. Being open and honest about struggles and relapses after graduation from OTC is an integral part of building trust with parents, siblings and friends.
Reconciliation
Complete reconciliation will require time, effort and patience. Co-existing with family and friends after graduating from our Christian boarding school will not always be easy, but graduates who stay positive and rely on support groups for help with continued recovery will be able to mend those relationships over time. Ongoing family counseling may be necessary to build and maintain a healthy living environment at home.
Communication
Communication is key to building a healthy relationship, no matter the circumstance. After graduation from our teen rehab program, students and their families should make it a point to focus on open communication – even in difficult situations. Healthy and consistent discussions not only aid with problem solving, but also help shape and manage relationships.
Forgiveness
Our Christian boarding school could not function without grace; it’s the foundation of everything we believe. We strongly believe that by the grace of God we are forgiven and given new life by the sacrifice on the cross. Just as Jesus has forgiven each of us and offers us new life, every OTC graduate also learns the importance of forgiving himself. Forgiveness is not always easy to give but family members, friends and graduates need to freely give it in order to move on and rebuild that relationship. Just as Christ gives us endless chances by forgiving us over and over again, we need to extend the same grace to those around us.
Our Christian boarding school is dedicated to the recovery of each and every student that walks through our doors and we know that drug treatment and behavioral therapy doesn’t abruptly end when students graduate from OTC. It’s an ongoing process that will continue for years to come.
Feel free to browse our blog for more information and helpful resources on addiction, our youth programs and our staff. We are always available to answer any questions you have, so please contact us today if you are considering enrolling your son or if you need help.
