Resources that Transform

Adult and Teen Challenge Northern Indiana is about more than just changing a person’s outward behavior. We know it takes a heart change to start and sustain positive transformation, and only Jesus can transform the heart. We also know that addiction touches a person’s friends, family, and loved ones. Here we provide resources that are designed to help you, whether you are struggling with life controlling issues, or you love someone who is.

Intake Forms

See Contact for more information on becoming an Adult and Teen Challenge student.
Student Application
Student Handbook
What to Bring / Not Bring upon Induction

Resources for Parents

There is no question that navigating life with a teenager can be difficult. Changes happen quickly for teens and can leave them scrambling for some sort of control or way to escape. Sometimes, when your teen gets too overwhelmed, they may turn to drugs, alcohol, or other means of emotional escape. If you are unsure whether or not your child needs help, here are a few of the most common signs of alcohol and/or drug addiction. If you are concerned your teen may need be struggling with drugs, alcohol, or other life controlling issues, we are here to help: Contact Us for more information.

Physical Symptoms

• For many people, the most obvious signs of needing drug addiction help, center around their physical symptoms. Common signs of substance abuse addiction are rapid weight loss, lack of energy, pale and sallow skin, and more. Tremors can also be a common indicator, as well as insomnia and hair loss. Changes in your teen’s overall appearance may be an indication of needing drug addiction help as well. If your teen used to take care of their appearance and now they don’t, that is a sign that something may be wrong. While it may not be a substance addiction, your teen may be struggling with something and needs someone to talk to.

Needing Money

• Drug habits get increasingly more expensive as addiction progresses. The more someone uses a drug, they begin to develop a tolerance to it, making it harder to get the high they desire. This pursuit of a high will cost more and more money because it requires more (and perhaps different) drugs. If your teen has been asking for more money, or if you notice money disappearing, it may be a sign that your teen needs drug addiction help.

Withdrawing from Loved Ones

• While there are a variety of physical signs that may indicate the need for drug addiction help, there are also a number of mental and emotional indicators as well. A common sign of underlying issues is if your teen is withdrawing from loved ones with whom they used to have a very close relationship. When people hide their struggles, especially drug or alcohol addiction, they have a tendency to isolate themselves from the people closest to them. While changing friends or disconnecting from loved ones may not be caused by addiction, it is often an indication that your teen is struggling with some overwhelming life issue. When paired with physical indicators, withdrawing from loved ones may be a sign of addiction.

Resources for Loved Ones

This section contains resources we hope will minister to friends, family, and loved ones. We will be adding resources as they become available. If you don’t see something that addresses your questions or need, please feel free to reach out to us!

Enabling: Are you offering the wrong kind of help?
Should you feel guilty?
Talking to a loved one about addiction?
Look for a Stay Sharp for Teens event coming to a school or church near you!

Please contact us if you would like to schedule a Stay Sharp event at your school or church.

Resources for Young People

We know life is not simple. It’s complicated, tough, and filled with relentless pressure from parents, friends, teachers, peers. Sometimes, it seems to come from every direction—pressure to be and do. Then harsh situations you’re not prepared to handle come at you from out of the blue. Everyone needs help at times, navigating the chaos and confusion.

You don’t have to do it alone. We are here to help. Making right choices that are healthy and positive for your life leaves you feeling good about yourself. But, it is important to have friends who will help you to do that. Today, it seems many of us (adults and youth) feel isolated. We find it hard to find good friends who are willing to hold us accountable and to support us when we are feeling overwhelmed.

The stories told in the Stay Sharp event are real. The presenters share their experiences about learning the hard way that drug and alcohol use change quickly from a fun distraction to a life-controlling issue. Each young man will tell you the consequences of their actions that led to despair and hopelessness. Their hope is that you might learn from their mistakes and avoid making them yourself. That is the focus of Stay Sharp. Our students share, so you can stay sharp.

Please reach out to us if you want to know more.

Resources for Teachers

Stay Sharp was created to address young people in a variety of settings, from a private or public school assembly; classroom; church youth group; and large or small groups in a venue best suited to the event. Presenters can work with parents, educators, youth pastors, and other leaders to address the specific issues that your community faces. It is presented free of charge as an outreach of Adult & Teen Challenge Northern Indiana.

Presenters are not counselors or psychologists. They are men who have struggled with substance abuse and want to share their stories of choices, consequences, and recovery. Consider helping bring this powerful drug awareness and prevention program to your community. Contact us to find out how.