Few can deny that our communities are being impacted by what began as an opioid crisis and has now shifted to an all-out substance abuse epidemic. One often overlooked victim of this problem is the children of the addicts.

Studies show that there are no social or economic boundaries with this crisis. From doctors to waitresses, parents are suffering – and so are their children. Children of single parents who do not have a family support system available are particularly vulnerable. Rehabilitation centers share that many parents refuse to get treatment due to lack of resources to care for their children

At a recent summit Dr. Stephen Loyd addressed this problem. Dr. Loyd is Medical Director of Journey Pure, former ICU Physician and a former addict. Dr. Loyd stated that short-term attempts to rehabilitate addicts are rarely successful. A PET scan of the brain of an addict shows damage to the frontal lobe. The frontal lobe is the part of the brain that provides reasoning. The brain only begins to show recovery in the frontal lobe after 12 months. For most patients, a significant recovery of brain function appears at 2 years. So, a 12-month or longer rehabilitation effort offers the best hope for success.

As a safe haven for children ages 6-18, Wears Valley Ranch can be a solution for parents who have decided to make a change. Many addicts have exhausted their resources on feeding their addictions. Due to donor generosity, the Ranch is able to offer scholarships to children when families lack the ability to pay tuition. Because children come to the Ranch voluntarily, parents retain custody of their children.

While at Wears Valley Ranch, children live in a home with up to 7 housemates, a husband and wife houseparent couple, and up to two college age mentors. The school on campus tests each child to see where they are academically. If children have fallen behind in a subject(s), they may step back and pick up where they are lacking. Children may excel in other subjects and have the opportunity to advance. Each child receives counseling and opportunities for outdoor recreation. The minimum enrollment commitment is twelve months.

The counselor for girls at Wears Valley Ranch is Grace Ruegsegger. She came to the Ranch as a mentor to students upon completion of a BA in Psychology and Addictions Counseling from Indiana Wesleyan. Ruegsegger has also interned at Vision of Hope in Lafayette, Indiana. This organization offers residential care and counseling for women who need hope. Life-altering challenges for these women include addiction, self-harm, abuse, eating disorders and unplanned pregnancies. Based on that experience, Ruegsegger believes her work with children at the Ranch offers prevention for future generations.

“One girl I have had the privilege of counseling comes to mind. Her family seemed “put together” until some hidden addiction came to light and their family was separated. The addiction was just the symptom of deeper struggles, though. As I work with her with a prevention mindset, I believe it is important for this girl to identify (in an age appropriate way) these struggles in her family, see how she has been influenced by them, and have hope as she learns to live for God in these areas instead,” says Ruegsegger. The mother of this child is currently in a program very similar to Vision of Hope.

Many experts, as mentioned at drugabuse.gov, cite the increased chance for children from substance abusive parents having the same tendencies. Whether it is a genetic issue or a social issue, the generational data demonstrates the need for action to protect children.

We are grateful for the opportunity to help these children and give their families peace of mind while they recover. Our goal is to make and eternal difference in the lives of the children we serve and their families.

If you know someone who needs our help, call (865) 429-0372.

Would you like to help us provide scholarships to children who need a stable environment? We are grateful for your support!Â