Ann: Changing Course Toward A Healthier Future

Ann was distressed. As an only child, she lived with her mother who was struggling to make ends meet. Ann’s biological father was incarcerated, her mom’s most recent relationship had hit the skids, and her newly blended family had broken up. As a result, “Ann” (not her real name) was overwhelmed by a variety of painful emotions including abandonment, loss, and uncertainty. These feelings made Ann angry. Her burgeoning anger caused her to verbally attack others, which sometimes escalated into physical assaults. Ann felt she needed to escape. So, she often ran away from home and spent countless nights with nowhere to sleep. What’s more, she began to abuse alcohol and marijuana–and then methamphetamines. Ann’s life was in turmoil and her future was uncertain.

That’s when Ann’s mother brought her to Volunteers of America’s Omegon, Inc., a co-educational, dual-diagnosis residential treatment center which offers specialized treatment services for adolescents who are experiencing emotional, behavioral disorders, combined with the abuse of mood-altering chemicals.

At first, Ann resisted the treatment process. She was belligerent and interacted with Omegon staff and peers predominantly by screaming and using profanity. Her moods changed dramatically from minute to minute. Ann often refused to take responsibility for her own behavior and lashed out. Periodically, she felt her situation was hopeless and became despondent. At other times, she admitted she needed to change her course in life and was cooperative.

Eventually, Ann experienced a turning point. She began to internalize and practice the skills she was learning throughout the treatment process including anger management, relaxation techniques, and dealing with difficult situations. She began to express her feelings constructively and often relied on staff and peers for direction and advice. Ann’s moods stabilized. She started making friends with other residents and won a speaking role in an Omegon theatre production.  Finally, Ann’s wounds began to heal, her anger diminished, and her life began to shift direction.

Over the next months, Ann engaged in the treatment process with diligence and focus. She participated in individual and family therapy twice a week, learned leadership skills, problem-solving skillsand how to rebuild damaged relationships. Additionally, she made calls to her high school to determine her credit status and devised a plan to catch up on the enormous amount of coursework needed to graduate. To top it off, Ann organized a sober support group and began working at a local pizza parlor.

Finally, Ann was ready to be discharged and was in for an extraordinary surprise. The staff and residents at Omegon held a special graduation ceremony for Ann because she worked so hard to complete the treatment process and earned all of the credits she needed to receive her high school diploma.

Ann left Omegon drug-free and equipped with the skills to make prudent choices and deal constructively with her emotions. Today, she continues to be dedicated to working her aftercare program and is enrolled in cosmetology school. If asked about her experience at Omegon, Ann will tell you that she’s proud of how far she’s come and everything she’s been able to accomplish. Omegon has helped Ann change her path in life and pursue the possibilities her future holds.

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