Wilderness Quest is a 12-Step substance abuse program for adolescents ages 14-17 and young adults ages 18-28. Originally founded in 1988 under the name Wilderness Conquest in Idaho, the program moved its offices to Utah in 1990 and changed its name in 1995 “to more accurately represent the focus and direction of the facility.”
A typical student at Wilderness Quest is experiencing problems with substance/alcohol abuse, low self-esteem, motivation and irresponsibility, anger, physical/emotional abuse, abandonment issues, learning differences, inappropriate sexual behaviors and conduct disorder. The school is JCAHO accredited and licensed by the State of Utah, and students learn by using a combination of audio, visual and cognitive learning in conjunction with experiential academics.
Wilderness Quest offers a comprehensive chemical dependency program with an emphasis on responsibility, through a system of natural consequences. During the wilderness experience, students are challenged physically, emotionally and spiritually to build self confidence and esteem.
Throughout the program, the family is encouraged to participate by attending 12-Step self-help meetings, and all family members who are significant in the student’s life are required to attend the three day Family Enrichment Phase. Wilderness Quest offers a follow-up component through phone support and/or referral services.