From gang violence, serving nineteen years for a crime he didn’t commit, and struggling with addiction two years after his sentence was over to now overcoming the generational curse of addiction and helping families thrive in recovery, our guest knows what it means to persevere and stay resilient even through the toughest of challenges.   

Lateef Glivens, PRSS, is the Lead Recovery Coach at Palmer Drug Abuse Program (PDAP). PDAP is a youth-driven program for adolescents and young adults who are looking to overcome substance abuse and mental health concerns. PDAP not only provides guidance on how to live a healthy, fun, and sober lifestyle, but it also creates an alternative peer group for PDAP members, thus giving them a safe & secure environment to implement change & build lifelong friendships. 

For Lateef, one of the most essential tools for recovering from anything is self-acceptance. When we’re honest with ourselves and take responsibility for our actions, we’re able to recognize areas for improvement. We may not be able to change the past, but we have the ability to rewrite our future. Despite the many challenges faced growing up on the streets with friends and family in the throes of addiction, one thing that remained constant was his father’s love and support. 

By providing a safe space without judgment and instilling morals and values, Lateef now shares with his own family, Lateef shares that his father was his greatest support system. One of the best ways his father showed him love? By allowing him to be emotionally present and letting him share what he needs to in that moment. With this, Lateef also shares that one of the most important things a parent should do is find their own support system. While addiction thrives in isolation, recovery thrives in community. 

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About Archway Academy:

"Where Education Meets Recovery." 

Archway is the largest recovery high school in the nation, located in the sunny heart of Houston, Texas. We meet the individual educational needs of teens recovering from Substance Use Disorder with care, compassion, respect, and rigor.

**The views and opinions expressed by our guests are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect those of Archway Academy. Any content provided by our student co-host(s) or guests is their opinion and is not intended to reflect the philosophy and policies of Archway Academy itself. Nor is it intended to malign any recovery method, religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.