Many of our children have been raised in unhealthy forests. They have role models who addicted to alcohol or drugs, who are depressed, fearful, unemployed, and disconnected from their cultural strengths. For these youth, there is no childhood. They need to learn that what they have experienced is not their fault.

The Cycle of Life is broken between Youth and Adult. In our traditional cultures, Elders taught the Youth how to transition into adulthood during coming-of-age ceremonies. Many of our young people no longer have access to the traditional teachings.

There are healthy and unhealthy characteristics of the 8 feelings and thought patterns. The thought patterns and feelings must be developed in order: trust must come before autonomy and before intimacy. Stages cannot be skipped.

If these feelings and thoughts are not developed, the individual will find significant challenges in developing the tasks associated with later stages of development.

Alcohol and substance abuse, acting out and depression are common results for boys and girls who did not develop the feelings and thoughts. To lead healthy and productive lives, all people need to answer three questions:

1. Who am I?
2. Why am I?
3. Where am I going?

The Wellbriety for Youth training programs help youth discover the answers to these questions for themselves.