Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Ep 10 One Teacher's Journey to Heal Youth Addiction Through Nature
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Ep 10 One Teacher's Journey to Heal Youth Addiction Through Nature
What happens when a teacher refuses to give up on students struggling with addiction? Hugh Fraser's remarkable journey from college instructor to founder of a groundbreaking recovery program reveals the transformative power of compassion, structure, and wilderness in healing young lives.
Fraser's story begins in the classroom, where he noticed bright students failing due to substance abuse. Rather than simply expelling them, he took a revolutionary approach, creating a structured program combining academic accountability with addiction recovery support. The pivotal moment came when Fraser brought students to a remote wilderness camp, witnessing profound spiritual and emotional awakenings away from technology and urban distractions.
From modest beginnings with just $3,000, the Fraser Recovery Program received a life-changing $50,000 donation from an 86-year-old woman, allowing Fraser to establish a dedicated wilderness camp. Today, the program operates on five straightforward principles that "cost absolutely nothing": daily commitment to sobriety, peer support, connection with long-term sober mentors, addressing personal issues, and helping others. This model has produced remarkable success stories, with graduates achieving advanced degrees and meaningful careers.
Fraser challenges the common belief that addicts must "hit bottom" before recovery, instead advocating for early intervention and "raising the bottom." His compassionate perspective—"There's no shame in being an addict, the only shame is not doing anything about it"—has helped countless young people overcome stigma and find healing. Even at 82 and officially retired, Fraser continues mentoring individuals struggling with addiction, demonstrating that one person's dedication can create ripples of positive change across generations.
If you're concerned about addiction in your family or community, remember that help is available. The wilderness-based approach pioneered by Hugh Fraser offers a powerful model for recovery that has transformed countless lives. Visit the Fraser Recovery Program website to learn more about this groundbreaking approach to addiction treatment.
View all episodes
By Batten Media HouseWhat happens when a teacher refuses to give up on students struggling with addiction? Hugh Fraser's remarkable journey from college instructor to founder of a groundbreaking recovery program reveals the transformative power of compassion, structure, and wilderness in healing young lives.
Fraser's story begins in the classroom, where he noticed bright students failing due to substance abuse. Rather than simply expelling them, he took a revolutionary approach, creating a structured program combining academic accountability with addiction recovery support. The pivotal moment came when Fraser brought students to a remote wilderness camp, witnessing profound spiritual and emotional awakenings away from technology and urban distractions.
From modest beginnings with just $3,000, the Fraser Recovery Program received a life-changing $50,000 donation from an 86-year-old woman, allowing Fraser to establish a dedicated wilderness camp. Today, the program operates on five straightforward principles that "cost absolutely nothing": daily commitment to sobriety, peer support, connection with long-term sober mentors, addressing personal issues, and helping others. This model has produced remarkable success stories, with graduates achieving advanced degrees and meaningful careers.
Fraser challenges the common belief that addicts must "hit bottom" before recovery, instead advocating for early intervention and "raising the bottom." His compassionate perspective—"There's no shame in being an addict, the only shame is not doing anything about it"—has helped countless young people overcome stigma and find healing. Even at 82 and officially retired, Fraser continues mentoring individuals struggling with addiction, demonstrating that one person's dedication can create ripples of positive change across generations.
If you're concerned about addiction in your family or community, remember that help is available. The wilderness-based approach pioneered by Hugh Fraser offers a powerful model for recovery that has transformed countless lives. Visit the Fraser Recovery Program website to learn more about this groundbreaking approach to addiction treatment.