Teen Challenge was founded in 1958 by the Reverend David Wilkerson. From the beginning, the mission of Teen Challenge has been to provide youth, adults and families with an effective and comprehensive Christian faith-based solution to life-controlling drug and alcohol problems in order to become productive members of society. By applying biblical principals, Teen Challenge endeavors to help people become mentally sound, emotionally balanced, socially adjusted, physically well, and spiritually alive.

The Effectiveness of Teen Challenge International

The following results have come from research conducted by the National Institute of Drug Abuse in 1975, and a comparative study conducted by Northwestern University in 1994. The most recent, published in 1999, is a comparison of treatment effectiveness in drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers and was conducted by Aaron Bicknese, PhD, of Northwestern University.

• 86.6% of graduates after seven years remained drug and crime free. This is opposed to a 6-7% rate for secular programs.
  
• 92% of the respondents claim that Teen Challenge has had a great impact on their lives.
  
• 72% of the graduates continued their education upon completion of the program. These areas include GED, college education, and Bible school.
  
• 84% of graduates attend church regularly.
  
• They found that Teen Challenge graduates were “more likely to be living normal lives and not need further treatment.”
  
• They found that students at Teen Challenge had an attitude of “It is a privilege to be here.”
  
• 90% of Teen Challenge graduates were employed one and two years later, while 41% were employed after other drug programs.
  
• 87.5% of the graduates did not need further treatment (90% considered themselves addicted to drugs upon entering the program.)
  
• 92% of the graduates reported good to excellent health, whereas only 59% of graduates of secular programs claim good health.
  
• 70% of the graduates reported that their family relationships have greatly improved since leaving Teen Challenge.

As a result of these surveys, indicators of success include: stabilized life-style due to their commitment to Jesus Christ, employment with some level of stability, financial independence, an absence of trouble with police, an ability to enjoy freedom without condition or supervision, and little need for additional drug treatment once completing the Teen Challenge program.