A Day in the Life of a Student

What will a day be like?

Program

At Adult and Teen Challenge we base our philosophy and curriculum for addiction recovery on God’s Word – the Bible. Training includes personal and group studies that offer practical, Bible-based solutions. These classes facilitate the transition from alcoholism and substance abuse to a life of hope and freedom in Christ.

We feel our role is to provide the most conducive environment possible for the healing of the student with life controlling issues. All parts of the student’s day are crafted to minister to the needs of the whole person, not just the most pressing substance abuse issue.

The focus of the daily activities from classes to work to recreation is to give time and attention to learning a new way of living. Students learn to put their new way of life into action over a period of time. This is the major reason Adult and Teen Challenge is a 12-month program rather than just a 30-day program.

Daily Schedule

1. Wake up
Students rise early, and get dressed for the day.

2. Devotions
Personal devotions are an important part of their recovery process. Students may use devotional books and/or the Bible for this personal time.

3. Breakfast
All meals are served in the cafeteria and eaten with other students and staff. During their stay, students may be assigned duties in the kitchen, either preparation or clean-up of meals.

4. Work Detail
The primary goal of work is to teach students proper attitudes toward work. Students may be assigned to work at the Center, or for a community project, or at an outside work project. The work therapy portion of the program offers students the opportunity to see concrete results from their physical out-put. Students learn to appreciate the sense of accomplishment that comes with a job well-done.

5. Lunch
A break in the day and time for students and staff to eat a meal together.

6. Group Studies: Lecture Style Classes
These classes are structured around specific issues relevant to the needs of the students. Students are encouraged to participate in the group discussions.

7. Personal Studies
In these individualized studies, students work through Biblical curriculum to help them accept the reality of their addiction. They also discover the new person God wants them to be. In order to learn new attitudes and behaviors for their new life, students must evaluate their past experience.

8. Dinner
During this community meal students and staff and share their day over an evening meal.

9. Recreation Time
Recreational activities vary greatly between Centers and can be privileges to be earned at some locations. Learning how to enjoy leisure time without using drugs is a vital part of the recovery process. Physical activities are helpful for students’ overall health and wellness.

10. Study Hall
This is time for students to work on the class work for their Group Studies class or their Personal Studies classes. This gives students an opportunity to schedule their time to meet their goals.

11. Evening Chapel
This is a time to worship and thank God for the changes He is making in students’ lives. Music plays an important role in the transformation of the students. They learn to express joy through worship in Chapel and choir activities.

12. Lights Out
Most Centers practice an early “lights out” policy so students learn to go to bed early and rise early after a good night’s sleep.