My kid mostly smokes pot. Isn’t it just an expected part of adolescence?
- More kids enter treatment with a primary diagnosis of marijuana dependence than for all other illegal drugs combined, -NationalYouthAnti-DrugCampaign:
- ”[I]n the 1970s and 80s, the active ingredient in marijuana, THC, was at 3.5 percent. Today, the THC found in most marijuana averages more than 7 percent. But specific techniques can skyrocket the amount of THC to as high as 27 percent. Today’s marijuana is much more powerful and much more addictive than it was a generation ago.” - U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy
How long would my son stay at Fire Mountain?
The average is 5-6 months with a minimum stay of 4 months (120 days). True change takes time. If finances permit, we recommend keeping your teen with us until he is truly ready to restart his life in earnest. Ultimately, with our team’s input and recommendations, you (the parents) will make the final decision.
What is the admissions process and how do I apply?
After reviewing the general information provided on the website, we suggest you call the Fire Mountain office to speak with an admissions counselor. You and the counselor will complete a preliminary assessment to determine whether your teen is a good fit for the program. If you decide to move forward, specific arrangements will be made depending upon your specific circumstances. You are welcome to set up an appointment to tour the facility.
Will I be able to get references from parents of graduates?
Yes, please call or email to request a list of parents (303)443-3343 or info@firemountainprograms.com. We encourage you to contact them.
Do I bring him myself or will you conduct an intervention?
Every situation is different. Some boys agree to enroll in the program and will pack and get in the car/on the plane with little or no resistance. In these cases, we recommend that you make the arrangements. Other times, assistance from a friend or family member may help. And sometimes an intervention is required. Please call the office for details (303-443-3343).
Do you do interventions?
Yes, in most cases we can conduct an intervention. Please call the office for details. We do not do “hard” interventions where your son would be physically restrained in order to transport him. A skilled intervention should not require that level of intensity. If your situation calls for a “hard” intervention, we will refer you to another organization for transport.
What are Fire Mountain’s outcomes and success rate?
The best way to answer this question is to refer you to speak with parents and teens who have graduated from the program. Human success is hard to box into a precise measurement. Please call the office for a list of graduate parents and teens. 303-443-3343.
I hear you work on Phase System of success and achievement. How does that work?
Please click on the links to read about our phases (phase1, phase2, phase3)
Is Fire Mountain a Wilderness Program?
We do have s significant wilderness component but are not a traditional wilderness therapy program. During the school year your son will attend 1-2 wilderness or cultural trips per month lasting from one to six days. During Sober Summer, this increases to most days of the week.
What is the cost to send my son to Fire Mountain Sober Home?
Will my insurance cover the costs of sending my child to Fire Mountain?
Although Fire Mountain does not work directly with insurance companies it is worth asking. You may be able to use funds from a Health Savings Account. Upon completion at Fire Mountain, we can break down all costs, including individual therapy, group therapy, and group processing. In addition, we will break down admissions fees, trip fees and residential fees if requested.
Does Fire Mountain offer financing?
There are a number of financing options. Please contact the office for details regarding specific lenders.
What about school?
12-18 hours per week are dedicated to helping your son catching up, keeping up or getting ahead in school.
Most boys get credit for life skills, wellness, Physical Education and sometimes psychology just from the the Sober Home Curriculum. In addition, there are a variety of options for school depending upon your district and your son’s current situation including:
- Online public high school
- Getting assignments directly from his teachers with a plan to finish them
- West River Academy (call for details 303-443-3343)
- Guided homeschool
Will I be able to communicate with my son and will I know how he is doing?
Yes. After the first two weeks, your son will call you every Sunday for 30 minutes. As he moves through the phases (phase1, phase2, phase3), he will earn passes to visit you for lunch, overnights and ultimately, his week home trial. Any communication restrictions will only be implemented if there is a sound reason to do so.
Do you work with my family as well as my son?
Yes. After the first three to four weeks, you will attend sessions (by phone or in person) weekly with the director or one of our therapists.
Do you take girls?
Not at this time. We do hope to open a girls home in the future. If you are interested in helping to make this happen, please call us at 303-443-3343.
Will my child be involved with really tough kids?
Your son will live with adolescents 13-17 years old with moderate behavioral and addiction issues. We do not work with extreme cases such as sex offenders, violent offenders, severe conduct disorders and extreme psychiatric disorders.
How do you work with difficult kids?
A strength based empowerment model that focuses on building strong relationships with self and others. Supporting your son through the process of change instead of “breaking them down” to build him up again will help him focus on what he does well and build from there. This approach allows the clinical team to work out specific structures, assignments, and activities to understand, assess and help the student make significant progress during his or her stay.
Where is Fire Mountain located?
In a beautiful home in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado. Just outside of town, we enjoy a “deer in the yard” natural environment, the convenience of being a few miles from town and close proximity to Denver National Airport.
When can I admit my child?
Admissions and discharges happen on an ongoing basis. This creates a positive peer culture and allows students to become mentors to “new-comers” in the group. We prefer to admit students Monday through Friday. If a weekend is your only option, please let us know for special arrangements.
What does my child need to bring?
Please click on the link for the packing list.
When will I hear from Fire Mountain regarding my son?
You can call or email to check-in any time in the first two weeks to talk to a staff member and ask questions. You will not hear from your son until week three (a common practice that gives him and you time to orient and take a break).
After the first 2 weeks your son will call home every Sunday for 30-45 minutes, unless he is on a wilderness trip or under a special communication agreement that works better. After week 3 or 4, you will commence family sessions.
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