Silverado Boys Ranch - Substance Abuse

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Substance Abuse

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A significant percentage of our students come to the ranch with a substance abuse history. We believe that an important goal of the program is create an environment that is abstinent and recovery focused. Treatment goals will be developed for students who come to the ranch with a history of substance abuse. All students will receive education and information regarding substance abuse regardless of their history with illegal substances.

Silverado Boys Ranch utilizes Charlotte Sophia Kasl.Ph.D., empowerment model known as the "16-Steps". This model is positive, holistic, and flexible based on love and power, not fear. It is a socially conscious approach that honors cultural differences and individual needs. The model provides an invaluable source of support and information for people wanting to build self-esteem, affirm their inner wisdom, and address interrelated nature of all addictions.

16-Steps for Discovery and Empowerment

The 16-step empowerment model is a holistic approach to overcoming addiction that views people in their wholeness-- mind, body, and spirit. A fundamental basis of this model is flexibility and an openness, which leads to continually ask: What works? Whom does it work for? In addition, how can we help it work better? It encourages people to be continually open to new information and not to become trapped in dogmatic teachings. At its core, this model is based on love not fear; internal control not external authoritarianism; affirmation not deflation; and trust in the ability of people to find their own healing path when given education, support, hope, and choices.

In the traditional 12-step approach to addiction (known as Alcoholics Anonymous), basic assumptions about addiction and addicted people are based on observations, made over 50 years ago, of 100 Caucasian men who were alcoholic. The program was designed to break down an inflated ego so people could admit to having a problem with alcohol. These theories were then adopted, without examination, for a multitude of other addictions and problems, and presented routinely to people of different races and social strata as the one and only way to overcome addiction. The 16-step model helps people to develop ego strength, which is seen as having a healthy ability to be introspective and to ask oneself the questions: Who am I? What do I value, believe, and want?

In the 16-step model, addiction is as a complex web of social factors, physical, pre-disposition and personal history. This empowerment model encourages individuals to develop their own internal belief system based on their perceptions and experiences. It is fluid and open to change as the person evolves. It believes that a major task of healing from addiction is to validate the underlying, positive survival goals for safety, connection, pleasure, love, and power. Then to find non-addictive and positive ways to meet those needs. It is also crucial to create a healthy physical balance to prevent cravings.

The 16-step model addresses issues of cultural diversity and internalized oppression stemming from sexism, racism, classism, and homophobia. In this model, the concept of "codependency" is understood as a form of internalized oppression, rather than an addiction to security, in a cultural context as well as an individual problem. In surveys sent to both male and female members of 16-step groups asking for responses, respondents most often listed: improving self-esteem; helping them believe in their own wisdom; giving them permission to be creative; expressing and validating their personal beliefs and feelings; and helping to be more courageous as being the positive effects of a 16-step group.

The 16-step model encourages people to use this or any other model as a springboard to find their own voice. While it is crucial to acknowledge the power of addiction, this model helps people affirm the power they do have to take charge of their lives and overcome addiction. Developing one's passion, finding purpose, bonding with others, and becoming involved in social change are seen as antidotes to addiction. This approach does not posture itself as the one way or the right way, nor does it make assumptions about the length of time it takes or the path that must be followed.

The 16-steps that follow are published in Many Roads, One Journey: Moving Beyond the 12 Steps and in Yes, You Can! A Guide to Empowerment Groups. They are currently in use in an estimated 200-300 groups nationwide, as well as a rapidly growing number of treatment programs.

The 16-Steps
1)	We affirm we have the power to take charge of our lives and stop being dependent on substances or other people for our self-esteem and security.
	Alternative: We admit/acknowledge we are out of control with/powerless over ________ yet have the power to take charge of our lives and stop being dependent on substances or other people for our self-esteem and security.
2)	We come to believe that God/Goddess/Universe/Great Spirit/Higher Power awakens the healing wisdom within us when we open ourselves to the power.
3)	We make a decision to become our authentic selves and trust in the healing power of the truth.
4)	We examine our beliefs, addictions, and dependent behavior in the context of living in a hierarchical, patriarchal culture.
5)	We share with another person and the Universe all those things inside of us for which we feel shame and guilt.
6)	We affirm and enjoy our intelligence, strengths, and creativity, remembering not to hide these qualities from ourselves and others.
7)	We become willing to let go of shame, guilt, and any behavior that keeps us from loving ourselves and others.
8)	We make a list of people we have harmed and people who have harmed us, and take steps to clear out negative energy by making amends and sharing our grievances in a respectful way.
9)	We express love and gratitude to others and increasingly appreciate the wonder of life and the blessings we do have.
10)	We learn to trust our reality and daily affirm that we see what we see, we know what we know, and we feel what we feel.
11)	We promptly admit to mistakes and make amends when appropriate, but we do not say we are sorry for things we have not done and we do not cover up, analyze, or take responsibility for the shortcomings of others.
12)	We seek out situations, jobs, and people who affirm our intelligence, perceptions, and self-worth and avoid situations or people who are hurtful, harmful, or demeaning to us.
13)	We take steps to heal our physical bodies, organize our lives, reduce stress, and have fun.
14)	We seek to find our inward calling, and develop the will and wisdom to follow it.
15)	We accept the ups and downs of life as natural events that can be used as lessons for our growth.
16)	We grow in awareness that we are sacred beings, interrelated with all living things, and we contribute to restoring peace and balance on the plane

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Information

Natalie S.

"The natural beauty and outdoor activities coupled with the fine academics and warm and caring staff made Silverado a natural and healthy choice for our son and for us."

Laurel & Chad B

"In a difficult time of turmoil for our family, SBR provided all of us a sense of comfort and order. They show love and compassion to each boy in their care and that gives us great piece of mind."

Lee D.

"The balance of academics and therapy in a family atmosphere has had a great impact on our son and our family"

Fay & Howard

" We can sleep at night knowing that at every level of care--from the therapists and teachers to the administration and support staff--Silverado provides a safe, nurturing haven for our son. In a short amount of time, our son's performance and attitude toward school, his relationships, and everyday functioning have greatly improved. The standards are high here, and the T.R.U.S.T. level system works!"

WGB

"The Staff at SBR is a very loving and supportive group of people, NOT only to my Son, but also to our whole family."

Randy B.

"The caring and sensitivity of the staff impressed us enormously. It was clear to us that staff had made the effort to engage our Son, and that they Knew him. This made us feel more comfortable knowing our son was living in a warm personal environment."

Julie K.

"The loving nurturing environment at SBR has been helping my son to mature and heal."

Dave S.

"Therapy at Silverado occurs in real-time, with any of the staff at any time. Even more, it occurs as part of a natural, healthy relationship. We're excited to see the progress our son has made in only a few short months in this environment."

Patrick S.

"The Staff at SBR has exceeded our expectations in both their professionalism and knowledge while working with our son."

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