The goal of this phase is to process the wilderness trek and solo experiences, to go over solo work, discuss and go over the behavioral contract, and finalize game plan decisions. These are the goals that must be accomplished in order to graduate from the Capstone program:

• Processing of trek, solo, and solo work
• Identifiable results from trek experience
• Compliant with Capstone program guidelines
• Continued effort in treatment- a non coasting mentality
• Willingness to comply with behavioral contract and aftercare expectations
• An awareness of what has to be different in their lives in order to maintain a life change
• Completion of relapse prevention groups
• Identification of main triggers and a strategy to deal with each
• Identification of main anchors and ways to feed the good dog
• Ownership of actions
• Displaying maturity within the group setting and with other residents
• Willingness to look at self in the mirror
• Completion of family retreat

Length: 2 ½ weeks

Description: This phase of treatment is critical. The phase begins with one week designed to process the wilderness trek experience as well as the solo work that was assigned by the primary therapist. The second week focuses on relapse prevention. The residents will process through their behavioral contract with their therapist during this week as well as participating in relapse prevention groups. These groups are designed to help prepare residents to face the challenge of being out of treatment. The third week begins with the family retreat. This occurs on the Monday and Tuesday prior to graduation. Parents work with the therapists and other parents to role play and trouble shoot the contract, game plan and problems that may arise as the son returns home. This phase is completed on graduation day which occurs on a Wednesday morning. The two and a half weeks after Trek are vital weeks in preparation to graduate

Trek Solo Therapy
The first few days back from Trek is spent working on the experience of Trek and the information from the Solo therapy work. The therapist will process the trek experience with their resident and will review the work done while on solo. This time is critical in evaluating the lessons learned while on trek and the resident’s ability to take ownership of where they are at in the treatment process.

Relapse Prevention
Two weeks prior to graduation residents begin a series of groups centering on relapse prevention. The groups focus on relapse triggers, addiction, anchors, and relapse prevention escape plans. These groups are critical in developing strategies for relapse prevention. Residents, therapists, and program director practice relapse prevention strategies.

Game Planning
Parents return to Capstone for all day Monday and Tuesday practice for the game plan, including contract implementation. Time is spent in multi-family groups with other parents and in individual family sessions with the primary therapist. Capstone assures parents that they will be graduating with a Game Plan that works and helps their family to Finish Strong. On Tuesday afternoon following the completion of Family Retreat, a graduation ceremony is held.

Graduation:
A ceremony to honor the resident and the parents for completion of the program.

• Therapists, staff, parents, family, and residents convey their thoughts and feelings to each other.
• The individual therapist makes some presentations to their residents.
• Good-byes are said and the family takes the resident’s puppy and departs for home to begin the Two Year Finish Strong Game Plan.