Your Stay at Gray Wolf Ranch
Learning to Live a Sober Life
During their months here, residents spend the majority of their time learning to live rewarding, sober lives. In addition to the insights acquired in individual and group counseling, residents develop sober living skills through practice and support, incorporating Twelve Step principles into their daily lives of work, school or community service and becoming integral parts of the Gray Wolf Ranch community. Visits from family are highly recommended and many residents take advantage of the Northwest’s many tourist destinations to spend some time with family members sightseeing in Seattle, Portland or Vancouver, or simply touring the San Juan Islands.
Gray Wolf Ranch believes passionately in the healing and perspective that an experiential education can provide, so before he graduates each resident participates in at least two wilderness treks, gaining self-confidence and learning to trust himself and his peers. New residents arrive throughout the year, learning from the examples and strong support of their peers as they rise together to the challenge of a sober life.
Orientation: Getting to know Gray Wolf Ranch
A new resident at Gray Wolf Ranch spends his first week going through a well–defined orientation program, getting to know the other residents and familiarizing himself with the Gray Wolf program and facilities. The recovery process begins immediately with the new resident working closely with staff to assess and design an individual treatment program. Early emphasis is placed on learning the Twelve Step principles and applying them to everyday life as the new resident prepares for work or school.
A Typical Day at Gray Wolf
Morning begins with time for personal meditation followed by a nourishing breakfast, basic chores and a group meeting with a reminder to take on the day with purpose and spirit.
The day’s activities vary, depending on the individual, with each resident designing a schedule based on his personal goals and interests. Scheduled activities might include work at a local business, classes at our learning center, volunteer work, athletic activity or a Twelve Step meeting. Each individual’s schedule will vary, but all will be encouraged to be out in the world, pursuing new interests, developing peer relationships and taking part in the local community.
At the end of the day, the residents come together again at the Lodge to connect with each other, meet with their counselors and help set up for the evening meal. After dinner, there’s group therapy with a chance to discuss the day’s challenges and experiences among supportive and understanding peers. Finally, there’s time for personal reflection, relaxation and individual recovery work.
Family Involvement
Family members are welcomed and encouraged to visit and are kept involved through weekly phone meetings with their son and his counselor to discuss progress and future plans. During his stay, a resident will participate in at least one family conference, meeting in person with his family and counselor. The support and understanding of family is an invaluable asset for a young man on his path to recovery.
Becoming a House Sponsor
One of the strengths of the Gray Wolf program is our reliance on our House Sponsors. Residents who are making good progress in their recovery are encouraged to help share their experience by becoming a House Sponsor. Modeled on the Twelve Step system of sponsorship, these residents take on additional responsibilities, acting as guides and mentors for new residents and are role models for the newer peers in the Gray Wolf community. Not only do our House Sponsors offer newer residents a peer resource as they adjust to life at Gray Wolf, but the program gives the House Sponsor a wonderful opportunity to practice an important function of Twelve Step recovery: “One addict helping another.”