Christian group treating drug, alcohol abusers speaks at NBF Church this Sunday, May 12

Teen Challenge of Manchester, which is part of a national Christian-based organization and offers Biblically-based recovery treatment for individuals addicted to drugs or alcohol, will make a presentation this Sunday, May 12, starting at 10:30 a.m., at the New Beginning Fellowship Church on 6 Spruce Street, Nashua.

The event will last approximately 1-2 hours. Several individuals currently enrolled in the Teen Challenge program are expected to deliver testimonies on how this experience has changed and enhanced their lives. The public is welcomed and urged to attend – especially if you have a friend, relative, or loved one with a drug or alcohol addiction problem. There is no cost to attend this event.

One popular misconception about the Teen Challenge organization is that it only focuses on the recovery needs of teenagers, yet there are actually a fair amount of adult-aged individuals, a few even close to traditional retirement, enrolled in this program.

The following is an excerpt from the Teen Challenge of Manchester website, which should give you a better understanding of what this organization is all about:

[According to the 2002 National Survey on Drug Use, an estimated 7.7 million individuals age 12 or older were in need of care for an illicit drug problem. Furthermore, an estimated 18.6 million persons age 12 or older were in need of assistance for an alcohol problem. Teen Challenge has responded with action to statistics like these. Providing residential and non-residential care for thousands of men and women seeking freedom from life-controlling problems, Teen Challenge has become their answer.

In the process of breaking down the addiction cycle, Teen Challenge has become a solution to the addiction crisis. Teen Challenge is known throughout the world for providing successful recovery programs. Enthusiastic law enforcement officials, judges, mayors, governors and other prominent community and country leaders advocate the mission of Teen Challenge. Several United States presidents have voiced their appreciation for the unique work of Teen Challenge.

Teen Challenge is structured to allow flexibility in meeting the needs of those whose lives have been shattered by addictions. Where residential care is needed, Teen Challenge offers a well-developed, multi-phased discipleship training program. Teen Challenge also provides extensive non-residential assistance through personal and group sessions. Prevention programs are provided to thousands each year through public school assemblies and church meetings…

…Since Teen Challenge New England first opened its doors to drug addicts and alcoholics in 1963, thousands have come seeking help. Significant research projects have confirmed the effectiveness of the Teen Challenge approach to helping those affected by life-controlling problems. Leaders in Teen Challenge credit the spiritual component of the program as the key to the high success rate of Teen Challenge graduates. The following results have come from both a research project conducted by the National Institute of Drug Abuse in 1975, and a comparative study conducted by Northwestern University in 1994. The most recent, published in 1999, is a comparison of treatment effectiveness in drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers and was conducted by Aaron Bicknese, PhD of Northwestern University.

• 86.6% of graduates after seven years remained drug and crime free. This is opposed to a 6-7% rate for secular programs.
• 92% of the respondents claim that Teen Challenge has had a great impact on their lives.
• 72% of the graduates continued their education upon completion of the program. These areas include GED, college education, and Bible school.
• 84% of graduates attend church regularly.
• The study concluded that Teen Challenge graduates were "more likely to be living normal lives and not need further treatment."
• Students at Teen Challenge had an attitude of grateful privilege to be in the program.
• 90% of Teen Challenge graduates were employed one and two years later while 41% were employed after other drug programs.
• 87.5% of the graduates did not need further drug treatment (90% considered themselves addicted to drugs upon entering the program.)
• 92% of the graduates report good to excellent health whereas of gradates of secular programs, only 59% claim good health.
• 70% of the graduates reported that their family relationships have greatly improved since leaving Teen Challenge.

As a result of these surveys, indicators of success include: stabilized life-style due to their personal commitment to Jesus Christ, employment with some level of stability, financial independence, an absence of trouble with police, an ability to enjoy freedom without condition or supervision, and little need for additional drug treatment once completing the Teen Challenge program.]

For further information about the Teen Challenge organization in Manchester, please log onto:  http://www.tcmanchester.org , or else feel free to stop by the New Beginning Fellowship Church this Sunday starting at 10:30 a.m.