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 parent of a boy who went through the Triumph program.
**What was the challenge(s) your son was facing before they went to Triumph?
The challenges that my son was facing was very low self esteem, feeling like he didn’t belong, experimenting with drugs and hanging out with a bad crowd. Making really poor decisions. Not going to school.
**Was there a “tipping point” for you? What led you to look for treatment for you son?
We found Michael in a parking lot high and left alone being put in an ambulance. We could no longer take the constant chaos in our house. We could no longer function as a family and it was taking a toll on everyone. We were afraid for Michael’s safety.
**How did you go about trying to find somewhere to help?
I started checking on the internet. I wasn’t sure about the wilderness programs but I also felt he needed more than that. I also spoke to parents that had their son’s there already or they had graduated the program.
**Why did you choose Triumph? What made you choose there over any other treatment place?
I chose Triumph because it had the core elements that I was looking for. I wanted 3 things for sure: No girls, had to have school, and had to have therapy. I also really wanted something on the smaller side. Michael had already suffered from being in large classes and it did not work for him.
**What was the hardest part about sending your son to in-patient treatment?
The hardest part was the fact that we were sending our son completely across the country; Trusting complete strangers with our flesh and blood; The fact that our family was being torn apart; Knowing that I am going to have to walk past an empty bedroom; Knowing that Michael was not going to be part of our everyday life. And as stupid as it sounds, setting four place settings for dinner instead of five.
**What was the best part?
I would say the best part is that after you go there and see your son improving, seeing that the staff really cares about your son’s well being. The staff makes you feel welcome.
**Is there a specific event/story that has happened in your sons life that has had a big impact on you?
The biggest impact is that the whole thing actually happened. That it got so bad that we could no longer do it on our own. I will never, ever forget the day that I flew out with him and had to leave him there. (Just thinking about it makes me tear up) The absolute heartache on his father and sister’s faces when they had to say good-bye to him at the airport. ( I flew out with him)
**What is one piece of advice you’d give to parents who have a son who is struggling? (not necessarily a son in treatment–just someone who has a kid going through something rough)
Never give up on your son. As hard as it is and as upset as you are, know that there is a reason for their behavior. You may not have the answers and you may never get what you’re looking for, but your son is struggling with something much more than he is letting on.
**What is one piece of advice you’d give to parents who currently have a son in a treatment program?
Let the program work. It can take a long time and it may take longer than you have hoped, but hopefully you and your family will only go through it once. Stay completely involved. It is not a “son’s” problem, it’s a family problem. All family members have to be involved and supportive. Nobody should be passing judgment.
**What is your favorite thing about Triumph? Something that stands out or makes it different?
My favorite thing about Triumph is that they teach the boys that life can be hard but if you put in the hard work, it will pay off. They teach the value of family which is so important to us. They teach that things are not going to be handed to you, that you need to work for it and treat people the right way and hold your head up and be proud of your accomplishments.
