Wickenburg, AZ, May 29, 2007 – The residents of Gatehouse Academy, a long term drug rehab for young adults located in Wickenburg, AZ, recently visited Vulture Peak Middle School in Wickenburg to address drug and alcohol addiction with parents, teachers, and other school professionals. The Gatehouse residents feel it is very important to reach out to younger individuals about the reality of drug and alcohol addiction on young lives. There were also experts from Remuda Ranch and the Pregnancy Resource Center there to discuss eating disorders and self harm as well as options for sex education training for schools and families.

About 30 parents joined teachers and other professionals at the event. Most asked insightful questions of the Gatehouse residents about what to look for if they suspected their child of being involved with drugs or alcohol. Some of the questions regarded what families could do differently to help their kids make better choices.

"The point of our meeting was to discuss what can be done on the family level," stated Matt Brown, Director of Admissions for Gatehouse Academy. "I feel there is no adequate substitute for open communication between parents and their children when it comes to discussing these issues. "

The young adults willing shared their respective stories. They wanted to help parents better understand how to talk to their children about drugs, alcohol, and sex. Many of the parents expressed their gratitude at the end of the event. The middle school's counselor then invited the young adults to return and talk to a group of 5-8 students who are at extreme risk and Gatehouse graciously agreed.

"Anything that we can do to help fight the ongoing problems with youth at risk of drug and alcohol addiction we are happy to commit to," added Kent Sherman, CEO of Gatehouse Academy. "Not only can we hopefully reach one of these students, but the opportunity for our young adults to share their experience, strength, and hope is valuable."

This is not the first time that Gatehouse Academy has reached out to younger individuals on the detrimental effects of drug and alcohol abuse. They currently make monthly visits to St. Paul's Preparatory Academy to reach out to their population of male students grades 8 through 12. This has proven to be very beneficial for both Gatehouse Academy residents and St. Paul's Preparatory Academy students.

"The St. Paul's students really appreciate these visits as they can better relate to the Gatehouse residents because they are closer in age than some of the ‘adult' speakers that we set-up for them," Reported Dan Utrera, Director of Counseling Services for St. Paul's. "They tend to see the Gatehouse residents as more ‘real' and relevant to our students' current experience at St. Paul's."

Gatehouse Academy is committed to their regular visits with St. Paul's and welcomes new opportunities to speak out about alcohol and drug addiction in their community.