Over the next few weeks we’ll be posting an interview series from some of the boys who have been through the Triumph program as well as some of their parents. The hope is to show what impact getting treatment can have for troubled teens as well as provide some hope and encouragement for the boys and their parents who are looking for help and hope for the future.
Today’s interview is from a boy who went through the Triumph program.
**What was the challenge you were facing before you went to Triumph (why did your parents send you there)?
I was abusing drugs and stealing. I was always looking for something to escape from reality.
**What was your FIRST impression when you got to Triumph?
I felt like I didn’t belong there. I couldn’t see myself relating to anyone else around me. I was upset when I learned that I would be staying there longer than I originally thought.
**What was your attitude like when you got there?
I was really sad, so I mostly kept to myself. I just tried my best to push through the first few weeks. I built off the small successes I made.
**Were you upset with your parents for sending you there or did you understand why?
I was upset because I felt misled. They told me I would only be going to this program for 30 days, so I agreed. When I discovered that it was a 6-9 month program, I was discouraged, because I told my girlfriend I wouldn’t be gone that long. This kind of ended up ruining our relationship in the end, but I believe everything works out for the best.
**How long did you think you would be there?
When I discovered how the program worked, I made it a goal to graduate the program within 4-6 months.
**How long did you actually end up staying?
6 months
**What was your LEAST favorite part about being in treatment?
Not having freedom to express myself freely. I missed my family a lot and my dog. Being in treatment really made me miss the small, precious things in life.
**Is there a specific event, experience, or story that had a significant impact on you while you were at Triumph?
I had a great time just working with others to reach a common goal. The whole process was extremely interesting.
**What impressed you the most about Triumph? Or what do you think might make it different from other treatment programs?
How the Staff really were helpful and caring. I never saw myself becoming close with many of the staff members, but now I have contact with them and I consider them great friends.
**If you could give ONE piece of advice to someone currently in treatment, what would it be?
Be present. Live every single moment, without worrying about negative thoughts. It can be difficult to stay present in a program, it seems like you always have to be worried about your future. Learn to be present while still being progressive.
**If you could give ONE piece of advice to parents who have a teen that is struggling with something big, what would it be?
Don’t blame yourself. Don’t even blame your teen. Everyone has made mistakes in their life. A lot of have people have struggled with something big, then moved on to becoming something successful.
**What is one thing that has stuck with you since leaving Triumph? (A quote, a story, a lesson you learned, something someone said, etc.)?
The friends I’ve made. We all stay in contact through social media. I greatly cherish being able to talk to those I spent time in the program with.
**If you had to sum up what your experience was like in treatment, what would you say? Do you think it changed the trajectory of your life? Where do you think you’d be if you hadn’t gone to Triumph? Or do you think you would have been ok without it?
I think about my experience at Triumph all the time. It was simply something I can’t fully express through words. I never thought I would find myself missing that place. But even If I did go back, I would not have the same experience as I initially did. It is so close to my heart. Everything I went through there. All the emotional and psychological challenges I faced. I did it. I completed something I never thought I would be able to. I’m proud of it. And I miss it.
