Matthew started smoking cigarettes at 12, drinking alcohol at 13, and rapidly escalated to meth and prescription drugs. Refusing to follow the ground rules his mom tried to set for him, he went to live with his dad and grandmother, where things only got worse�both used drugs.
Matthew began committing petty crimes and even overdosed several times. By age 17, drugs had taken over his life completely. That's when he came to Anchor House. Five months later Matthew was a changed young man.
�And I will use these skills for the rest of my life in everything I do. I am so thankful to have this opportunity.�
He is committed to his new future because, �I was not only hurting myself when I was using drugs, I was tearing everyone who cares about me apart. Now I can finally make them proud in a way I never thought I could.� Matthew just turned 18, has a great job with a heating company and started college in January.
Matthew�s mom Christy is amazed and grateful. �It�s like I have my boy back!� she said. �And the Idaho Youth Ranch is still there providing support [through Family Counseling and Reintegration Services] when we need it.�
Family Counseling helps continue Matthew's progress by giving his family the support they need to help him stay on track and out of trouble. at Idaho Youth Ranch we finish the job. This means that we stay with our kids as long as it takes. By providing continued access to family counseling, kids just like Matthew have the continued support they need to be successful.
