Q. What will the living arrangements be like? Will I have my own room? Can I decorate it to my liking?
A. The living arrangements will be that of a positive and supportive home-stay atmosphere with the supervision and guidance of the live-in Parent counsellor(s). There may be one other youth living in
the home with you and the Parent counsellor(s). You will have your own room to personalize, as
you please, (nothing of an offensive nature). It will be your home away from home.

Q. What are the program expectations of me? What can I do so that I'm not bored?
A. Once accepted into the program, your counseling and personal support team assist you in accomplishing your goals. These agreed upon service objectives will likely focus on examining the impact substance abuse has had on your life and addressing the factors that have led up to your current stage of use. You'll also be supported in building new skills that will help you in creating
and leading a healthy drug-free lifestyle. There are many other activities that will also keep you
busy such as schoolwork (if appropriate) or recreational outings.

Q. How long will I stay in the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program?
A. Ultimately, this decision is between you and your parents but the Venture Academy Clinical Team will be making recomendations as you progress in the program. Venture Academy recommends youth participate in the program until most, or all of the originally identified goals have been completed and our program materials have been covered. Depending on your willingness and motivation, usually this means a stay of about six months. Sometimes, completing these goals may take longer. Staff are in regular contact with your parents to discuss your individual situation.

Q. My parents want to know that I'm going to be safe and feel comfortable while away from home. How can they be assured of this?
A. Without a doubt, your safety is of the utmost importance to Venture Academy. Staff (who are subject to criminal record checks and trained in non-violent crisis intervention) are chosen because
of their compassion and proven experience in successfully working with youth and young adults. Whether it's a one on one discussion, or engaging in challenging outdoor activities, the Venture Academy team make it their priority to ensure all participants feel emotionally safe and are physically protected.

Q. When can I go home to visit my family?
A. Venture Academy staff recognizes that this may be the first time the participants have been separated from their families for an extended period. Keeping in mind the programs objectives and your goals, youth and parents are encouraged to pre-plan home visits in a manner least disruptive to established routines. Home visits can be useful to you and your family in order for you to implement your newly developed skills.

Q. Can family come and visit me?
Yes. Visits can be accommodated at agreed upon times. Venture Academy staff will take time to talk with your parents about the program, your goals, objectives and your participation.

Q. The physical activities sound challenging. What if I can't keep up?
A. Don't worry. Venture Academy's trained and experienced staff are sensitive to the needs and capabilities of all clients in our care. Yes you will be challenged, but the staff will always be aware of your individual comfort level and will support you in pushing your own limits at your own pace.

Q. What if I want to pursue an activity I recently experienced while in the Drug and Alcohol Program?
A. No problem. With your parent's approval, Venture Academy will match you with an identified resource and help you develop a more intensive schedule that will favor greater involvement in the activity of your choice. After all, our common goal is for you to develop healthy alternatives to drug
and alcohol use.

Q. How will I know I'm taking the right school courses to get into the university or college
of my choice?
A. Venture Academy staff and local teachers assist youth and parents in identifying post secondary entry-level subject material. Youth in our programs have every opportunity to, and are supported in achieving their academic goals even while addressing substance abuse issues.

Q. Is there a dress code at the Drug and Alcohol Program? Can I bring my own clothes?
A. Yes there is a dress code at the Venture Academy Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program. Clothes must be reasonably appropriate and suitable for the activity in which you are participating. No clothes that display a negative message or are decorated with alcohol or drug logos or offensive portrayals. You are required to bring your own clothes but Venture Academy will gladly assist you in purchasing clothes from local outlets which will be suitable for your stay.

Q. I have a special diet and there are things that I can't or won't eat. How can this be accommodated?
A. Your Parent counsellors plan the menu based on the Canada Food Guide and in consultation
with a dietician and the youth residents. Individual needs and tastes are considered. With
notification, your special diet will be accommodated.

Q. My spiritual life is important to me. Will I be able to attend church and practice my religion while participating in the Venture Academy Drug and Alcohol Program?
A. Yes, Venture Academy is sensitive to the spiritual beliefs of youth and their families. If desired,
you will be supported in accessing an identified place of worship and will be given the respect and freedom to practice your religion.

Q. What happens if I get sick? Will I be able to have access to a doctor and a pharmacy?
A. Your health is very important. Any illness will be attended to immediately. You will have access
to emergency medical care or a doctor for any treatments necessary.

Q. What happens if I've signed up for a certain period and realize after sometime that things won't work out for me in the Drug and Alcohol Program?
A. Venture Academy staff will attempt to support you in working through any difficulties you may
be experiencing. If the time does come that you must leave the program, you may do so at any
time under the agreed upon terms of the contract.

Q. What if I have other questions I can't think of right now?
A. Upon admission, we'll go through an orientation with you and your parents. This process will provide you with more information but you are welcome to ask questions at any time.