What is the blue wilderness controversy

Blue Buffalo Controversy: Complaints and Concerns

Hello, passionate pet parents and curious readers! Today, were donning our detective hats to explore the buzzing hive of concerns surrounding a topic thats close to many of our hearts (and our furry friends): the Blue Buffalo controversy. If youve been navigating the pet food aisles or scrolling through online forums, youve likely encountered whispers or outright debates about Blue Buffalo.

The Heart of the Matter: Whats Stirring Up?

Blue Buffalo has become a household name, revered by many for its commitment to high-quality, natural pet foods. However, its not without its share of controversies and consumer complaints. From legal battles over ingredient misrepresentation to concerns about product recalls, its a brand thats been under the microscope. But fear not! Were here to dissect these issues with surgical precision.

Ingredient Inquisition: Debunking the Myths

One of the core issues at the heart of the controversy has been the accuracy and honesty of ingredient listings. Lets break it down:

Recall Rundown: Addressing the Alarms

Recalls are a significant aspect that pet owners must be aware of. Blue Buffalo has had its share, primarily due to potential health risks identified in specific product lines. Heres a snapshot:

Shedding Light: Expert Tips and Solutions

As we navigate these choppy waters together, here are some expert tips to keep your beloved pet safe and healthy:

• Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates on food recalls and ingredient analyses. Knowledge is power!
• Consult Your Vet: Before making any significant changes to your pets diet, a vets opinion is invaluable.
• Diversity is Key: Consider varying your pets diet to prevent overreliance on a single brand or ingredient.
• Observe and Report: Monitor your pets health and behavior for any changes and report any adverse reactions to food.

Wrapping Up: Navigating the Waters

In the vast ocean of pet food options, controversies like the one surrounding Blue Buffalo serve as a reminder of the critical role of vigilance and informed decision-making in pet care. By keeping our ears to the ground and our eyes on the facts, we can make choices that ensure the health and happiness of our four-legged family members.

Thank you for joining us on this investigative journey. Remember, the bond with our pets is precious, and nurturing it requires attention, love, and sometimes, a little detective work. Heres to happy, healthy pets and the peace of mind that comes with knowing were doing our best for them!

Comment 1: Jaspers Mom: Ive heard that grain-free diets can cause heart issues in dogs. Is it really safe to feed my fur baby a grain-free diet from Blue Buffalo?

Jaspers Mom, your concern resonates with many pet parents navigating the complex world of canine nutrition. The link between grain-free diets and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs has indeed stirred a pot of debate. Its essential to understand that certain breeds may be genetically predisposed to DCM, and the absence or presence of grains in their diet isnt the sole factor. However, the FDAs investigation into this matter highlighted a potential association, not a direct causation, with grain-free diets containing peas, lentils, or potatoes as primary ingredients. Our advice? Consult with a veterinary nutritionist to tailor a diet that meets Jaspers specific health needs and genetic background. Balancing his diet with a variety of proteins, grains, and vegetables, rather than strictly grain-free options, might be the key to a heart-healthy regimen.

Comment 2: The Cat Whisperer: My cat seems to love Blue Buffalos wet food, but Ive read some scary stories online. How can I make sure Im not missing any recall information?

Cat Whisperer, its heartening to see your dedication to your feline friends well-being. Staying abreast of recall information is indeed a critical aspect of responsible pet ownership. A two-pronged approach can ensure youre always in the loop: First, subscribe to the FDAs pet food recall alerts, providing real-time updates straight to your inbox. Secondly, engage with online pet owner communities. These forums are often the first to share experiences and recall news, offering a collective vigilance that can act as an early warning system. Remember, knowledge shared is knowledge multiplied, creating a safety net for our beloved pets.

Comment 3: Dog Dad Dan: Is there a reliable way to verify the real meat claim on pet food labels?

Dog Dad Dan, youve touched on a cornerstone of pet food integrity. The real meat claim on labels often serves as a beacon for quality-seeking pet parents. To pierce the veil of marketing, look for the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement on the pet food packaging. This statement ensures that the product meets established nutritional standards. Furthermore, delve into the brands sourcing practices. Ethical brands are transparent about their sourcing, often providing detailed information on their websites or packaging about where their ingredients come from. Engaging directly with customer service can also offer insights into their quality assurance processes. Armed with this information, youll be better equipped to make informed decisions about what youre feeding your four-legged family member.

Comment 4: Feline Friend Fiona: My vet recommended adding more moisture to my cats diet. Does Blue Buffalo offer suitable options?

Feline Friend Fiona, kudos for seeking ways to enhance your cats hydration! Cats, being desert animals historically, often dont have a strong thirst drive and can benefit significantly from moist food options. Blue Buffalo does offer a variety of wet foods designed to cater to this need, from pt to shredded varieties, which can be an excellent way to increase your cats water intake. Additionally, consider introducing a cat water fountain, as many cats are enticed by running water and may drink more frequently from a fountain than a stagnant bowl. Remember, the goal is to provide options that entice your cat to consume more water, promoting kidney health and preventing urinary tract issues.

Comment 5: The Parrot Parent: I know this is mainly about dogs and cats, but does Blue Buffalo have any products or nutritional guidelines for other pets, like birds?

Parrot Parent, its refreshing to see concern for the nutrition of our feathered friends! While Blue Buffalo primarily focuses on cat and dog nutrition, the principles of quality ingredients, balanced nutrition, and transparency hold true across the pet spectrum. For avian diets, its pivotal to seek brands that specialize in bird nutrition, offering a balance of seeds, fruits, vegetables, and pellets tailored to your birds species-specific needs. Consulting with an avian veterinarian can provide personalized dietary recommendations, ensuring your parrot receives the variety and quality of nutrition necessary for a vibrant, healthy life. Remember, each pet, regardless of species, deserves a diet that mirrors their natural dietary habits as closely as possible, fostering longevity and vitality.

Comment 6: Breezy Beagle: Im worried about the environmental impact of pet food production. Does Blue Buffalo take steps to reduce its carbon pawprint?

Breezy Beagle, your concern for our planet echoes a growing awareness among pet parents about the environmental pawprints left by their choices. Blue Buffalo is among the brands that have started to acknowledge their role in this ecosystem. Theyve taken strides towards sustainability by focusing on responsibly sourced ingredients and improving the recyclability of their packaging. To dig deeper, consider exploring their corporate sustainability reports or press releases for specific initiatives, such as partnerships with environmental organizations, commitments to renewable energy, or innovations in supply chain management. As consumers, voting with our wallets for brands that prioritize the planet can drive more significant changes across the industry, encouraging all players to adopt more eco-friendly practices.

Comment 7: Persnickety Poodle: Ive noticed my dog is picky with food. How can I ensure theyre getting the right nutrients if they keep turning their nose up at high-quality options like Blue Buffalo?

Persnickety Poodle, the challenge of catering to a gourmet canine palate while ensuring nutritional completeness is one many pet parents face. Variety, in this case, might just be the spice of life your dog is craving. Incorporating different forms of Blue Buffalo products, such as mixing wet food with dry kibble or using their nutritional treats as meal toppers, can entice even the most discerning diners. Also, consider gradual dietary transitions and consulting with a veterinarian for appetite-stimulating tips or to check for underlying health issues. Sometimes, the solution lies in making mealtime more engagingthink food puzzles or feeding toys that make eating a fun and interactive experience, stimulating both their mind and appetite.

Comment 8: Tabbys Typist: Can switching to Blue Buffalo help with my cats allergies? Ive heard diet can impact this.

Tabbys Typist, youve tapped into an essential aspect of pet health management. Indeed, dietary choices can significantly impact allergies in pets. Blue Buffalo offers specific formulas designed with hypoallergenic needs in mind, utilizing novel proteins (like duck, venison, or salmon) that are less likely to trigger allergic reactions compared to more common proteins (such as chicken or beef). Additionally, their grain-free lines can be beneficial if your cats allergies are grain-sensitive. However, pinpointing allergies can be akin to solving a complex puzzle. It involves trial and error, and sometimes, an elimination diet under a vets supervision is the best approach to identifying the culprit. Keep a detailed food diary to monitor Tabbys reactions to different ingredients, aiding in the detective work necessary to bring relief.

Comment 9: The Reptile Wrangler: I know Blue Buffalo is primarily for cats and dogs, but are there any of their products or ingredients that could be beneficial for reptile pets?

The Reptile Wrangler, venturing into the realm of reptile nutrition with a brand like Blue Buffalo presents an interesting proposition. While their products are tailored for mammalian companions, certain aspects, such as the quality and source of ingredients, can offer indirect benefits. For instance, reptiles that require animal protein could potentially benefit from the high-quality meats used in Blue Buffalos dog and cat foods, albeit as a supplementary part of their diet. However, its paramount to approach this with caution, as reptiles have highly specific dietary needs and sensitivities. Before considering any cross-species dietary experimentation, a consultation with a vet specializing in reptilian health is crucial. They can offer guidance on safely incorporating certain types of food into your reptiles diet without disrupting their nutritional balance.

Comment 10: Golden Guardian: How can I make sure that my senior dog is getting the most out of his diet with Blue Buffalo products?

Golden Guardian, as our beloved pets enter their golden years, their nutritional requirements evolve, necessitating a diet that supports their changing health needs. Blue Buffalo recognizes this with their senior-specific formulations designed to support joint health, cognitive function, and maintain optimal weight. These products often include higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients to combat the signs of aging. To maximize the benefits for your senior dog, consider combining dry food with wet options to enhance hydration and make meals more appealing to older dogs who may have sensitive teeth or a diminished sense of smell.

HELP US PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE

The wilderness therapy that teens say feels like abuse: You are on guard at all times

Rowan Bissette was 16 when she was transported against her will from Florida to Utah by two men she did not know. This was her first time leaving her home state.

These men were hired by her parents to take her from the psychiatric hospital in Jacksonville, where she had been receiving treatment, to a residential facility for more intensive care. She was terrified.

She had already been going to therapy twice a week for the past five years, but she was still struggling. Her parents were optimistic that this time, she would get the right treatment for her self-harm behaviors and suicide attempts.

Sitting on a plane bracketed by those two strange men as escorts, Rowan was flown to Sunrise Residential Treatment Center in Hurricane, Utah. There, she became violent both to herself and others, and was often put in restraints. She knew that if she behaved violently enough, she would get kicked out and so thats exactly what she did.

She was sent to a hospital for three weeks, where she expected a return to Sunrise. But the night before she was supposed to be discharged, her parents told her they were sending her to a wilderness therapy program that promised to temper her suicidal and violent tendencies. The program took place in WinGate, Utah, a tiny desert town where temperatures rise above 100F (38C) throughout the summer, and drop below 40F (4C) at night. She had heard stories of participants being made to hike 10 miles, being starved, not showering for three months, getting infections. I was not looking forward to that, Rowan said.

Six years on, Rowan is still reckoning with PTSD symptoms triggered by the experience.

From the moment she was picked up by the transporters and driven to the grounds to meet the rest of her group, she knew something wasnt right. The staff driving the van were just a few years older than she was and spent the bumpy ride making fun of her for vomiting the Wendys burger she had just eaten.

The first day, her group of 10teenagers hiked while carrying a 40lb pack. Rowan was not used to the physical exertion; the conditions were immediately too much for her body.

She refused to hike and sat on the ground. I said, Im just gonna sit here. And they were like, well, you can sit here all day long. We had somebody sit here for 27 days. And eventually they gave up. No one gets out. So she got up.

For weeks, they hiked anywhere from a half a mile to 15 miles a day in the oppressive desert heat, depending on where they needed to set up camp. The backpack she carried dug into her shoulders and rubbed her back raw. She was given two packs of tuna per week for her protein allowance and often felt weak. Overexertion and overheating would make her feel sick; she says she would often pass out during hikes.

To keep Rowan from running away in the middle of the night, the staff covered her sleeping bag with a tarp after she tucked herself in. They placed five-gallon containers of water on both sides so that it would make noise if she moved. She couldnt adjust her body to be comfortable and began to have panic attacks.

Soon, she was using old coping mechanisms, including self-harm. I was scratching myself, trying to cut myself. And they responded with a very violent, physically painful restraint where they hold you and force your hands to go towards your wrists, which can also often result in spraining or breaking wrists.

One day, a staff member held her in a restraint, and cried while she cried. He was one of the nice guys, and had chosen to do this work because he genuinely wanted to help others.

He apologized while holding her arms to her sides and kept repeating, Im so sorry. I dont know how else to stop you from hurting yourself. This is what they taught us.

The misuse of restraints is routine within the troubled teen industry, an umbrella term grouping together therapeutic boarding schools, residential treatment centers (RTCs), wilderness programs and rehabilitation centers.

It is not uncommon for teens to attend different programs back to back for their complex mental health and behavioral disorders; Rowan attended seven of them between the ages of 15 and 18. Yet, the majority of these programs lack scrutiny and oversight.

Between 120,000 and 200,000 children live in these facilities, which are regulated through complicated laws on a state-by-state basis. There is no national set training standards or background checks for employees in frontline positions. One organizations hiring requirement might require a college degree and certifications for all staff, while another will simply require staffers to be over 18 years old.

Data gathered by the US Government Accountability Office recorded more than 1,500 staff being involved in litigations for abuse in 33 states in 2005, the last year data was made available. Most of these involved restraints gone too far or done incorrectly, causing broken bones, joint dislocations and sprains.

According to an investigation published last March by the Salt Lake Tribune, 13 people were either fired or resigned between 2018 and 2021 from youth treatment centers in Utah alone for allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior, sometimes amounting to sexual assault.

At Rowans camp in Utah, teen participants were divided between boys and girls. The girls camp were given one set of clothes per week one shirt, one bra, one pair of pants and four pairs of underwear in which they would hike miles in the summer sun.

Hygiene was deemed unimportant: there was no soap and no showers. They were given one roll of toilet paper and about 10 pads and 10 tampons at the start of the program. The rain often soaked the toilet paper and feminine hygiene products, leaving the girls with nothing more to use. When they requested fresh, dry supplies, they were refused them and left to bleed through their clothes.

As a safety measure, participants who were high risk for self-harm were watched when going to the bathroom. A female staff would follow Rowan in and watch her defecate. More compassionate overseers would stand to the side as she squatted, trying to secure her a sliver of privacy and a scrap of dignity.

One day, another male staffer in his early 20s chaperoned her bathroom activities. To this day, Rowan still shivers when she recalls what happened.

He stared at me and then he molested me and threatened me, she says. He said he would kill me and no one would care about me. He said if he didnt kill me, he could make sure I never went home again. It was a fairly common threat from staff to say they could make sure I never went home again.

Once they returned to the main camp, a female staff member took notice and pulled Rowan aside, telling her that the male staffer was not supposed to be going to the bathroom with her. I was just really upset, so I think she kind of understood what had happened.

Rowan was told by the staffer that she alerted the program directors about the inappropriate behavior but there were no real repercussions; her abuser eventually left the company and started work at another program.

In response to these allegations, Chris Tarver, LCSW, executive director at WinGate Wilderness Therapy, said, WinGate has no record of ANY assault allegations in 2015. Nor do we have any record during these past seven years of inquiries made by authorities investigating ANY complaint about an alleged incident at WinGate in 2015. With nothing more to go on, we must conclude this matter has no merit.

He goes on to explain: Student safety is our priority and our responsibility. Any report made by a student is taken seriously and recorded. We investigate and, if findings deem it necessary, we work with authorities until there is closure to the case.

Much of Rowans therapy while at camp centered on her sexual orientation. She knew she was gay from a young age and had already come out to her family, who did not have an issue with the news.

At WinGate, she was told her homosexuality was a sin, and that she needed to seek God. The camp was not religiously affiliated, but many of the staff were members of the Mormon church and even though WinGate claims to be a safe place for LGBTQ+ teens that does not tolerate microaggressions of any kind, some staff would project their beliefs on participants. Former participants explained that being assigned a therapist that was homophobic was simply a matter of random determination.

As part of her therapy, Rowan was made to write an accountability letter to her parents which included explicit sexual details.

Tarver, explained the purpose of these letters: The written word is the safest form of communication, and its a vital step in the healing process for students and their families. An accountability letter is similar to what other recovery programs call an amends letter. These letters are written after individuals have settled in at the program and begun individual and group therapy sessions.

Accountability letters are a safe way for parents and their teens to communicate with each other, remind each other of their true selves, and see each other humanely, through the eyes of love and compassion.

Participants were asked to read these letters out loud to their entire group exposing private details of their own trauma. These letters were also published in a book at the end of the participants time at WinGate to be given to the participant and their family as a memento of the experience.

Worse things were still to come. Rowan detailed in her letter which was delivered to the Guardian that she would sometimes pretend to be a young child to deal with her trauma a common coping mechanism called age regression that is in no way sexual. For that, she was told by her therapist that her behavior was that of a child molester.

Being called a pedophile is something that really affected me, she says. I can never really get that out of my head that I was called that. Ive never had those thoughts. And I, of course, never want to do anything like that. So it was very, very, very upsetting to be labeled as a monster. I think about it every day. I cant escape it.

Today, Rowan is 22 years old. She has a full life: many friends and a strong community on Twitch. She feels optimistic about the future, but her PTSD symptoms havent gone away. I dont know if Ill ever be able to live a life where my trauma doesnt completely dictate what Im able to do. Im not able to sleep on a regular schedule because of the terrible nightmares I get. Im not able to take a full course load at university, and Im not able to hold a job.

After leaving the Utah wilderness camp, Rowan attended a New Haven, Utah, residential treatment center during which time Jason Calder, a therapist, groomed and sexually abused one of his patients. He has since been fired and sentenced to seven years to life in prison.

Wilderness therapy is supposed to be a vacuum for healing. The idea is to force a struggling teenager to leave their environment to learn consequences, choice and accountability through the powers of nature.

The first modern wilderness program was founded in 1941 by German educator Kurt Hahn, who partnered with Laurence Holt to train young sailors in the UK. Their program, Outward Bound, started with one school in Wales and now has 38 well-regarded schools in six different continents, and hundreds of copycats throughout the world.

In 1966, Brigham Young University, located in Provo, Utah, had resident professor Larry Olsen teach a course called Youth Leadership Through Outdoor Survival to students facing academic probation. The course inspired a series of similar initiatives throughout the Rocky mountains and Desert west.

Those grew in popularity throughout the 1980s and 90s, specifically in regions with rich national and state parks. Today, there are over 59 wilderness therapy programs in Utah alone.

Until 1995 there was very little public awareness of the industry. That year, Outside Magazine published an article by John Krakauer called Loving Them To Death, detailing the six preventable deaths of minors under the care of undertrained staff at multiple wilderness therapy programs throughout Utah.

The article was so shocking that the wilderness therapy industry leaders gathered together to find ways to prevent more deaths, which is how the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Research Center (OBHC), the third-party monitor specific to the wilderness therapy field, was created. It sets standards for accreditation, cost-benefit analysis, outcome-based research and risk management.

Parents dont always know about the OBHC, and most dont know that accredited programs have 424% better treatment outcomes than unaccredited ones. Without a national set of standards, parents rely on Google searches to divine their efficacy, rather than data-led knowledge about how the program performs.

Breaking Code Silence, a non-profit that promotes youth rights and evidence-based alternatives to the US troubled teen industry, counts over 5,000 current programs in the US. This number includes residential treatment centers, juvenile detention centers and wilderness therapy programs. Only 22 wilderness programs are currently accredited by OBHC, and WinGate Wilderness is not one of them.

Wilderness therapy can cost upwards of $50,000 per stay and because there is not enough data to justify that the treatment is effective and that the cost is necessary for said treatment, insurance companies sometimes reject claims. Stories of parents refinancing, sometimes even selling their homes to cover treatment costs for their child, are not uncommon.

Steven Dunn, an attorney based in Dallas who specializes in mental health advocacy, worries that the industry is completely fractured. For the most part, the industry is not regulated. After the Affordable Care Act became law, many private equity companies understood that millions of additional clients now had access to treatment. They could charge whatever they wanted for the services provided. And they knew how to get around the few regulations which did exist to prevent non-medical corporations from owning treatment centers It became the perfect storm.

One of the OBHC-accredited programs is the Anasazi Foundation in Arizona. Their program, developed by Larry Olsen, the same BYU professor who inspired the industrys beginnings in the 1960s alongside his most promising student, Ezekiel Sanchez of the Totonac Nation in Mexico, is considered the industrys gold standard.

Their curriculum is peppered with inclusive and motivating language, making an ask and growing a seed of greatness, using variations on local Indigenous belief systems to create a social system set apart from the suburban backgrounds the kids come from.

Brian and Liz Hawkins, of Utah, spent $30,000 to send their son to Anasazi as his drug usage and contentious attitude was not changing in the home. As part of the program, they also had to undergo therapy and learn how to better communicate with him.

We chose Anasazi because they work with the parents, Brian Hawkins said. If we dont change as much as our child changes, its probably not going to work. You cant expect someone else to just fix my kid. It doesnt work. You have to change the home.

The Hawkinses were recommended to Anasazi by a friend who transports children to and from treatment facilities. The Hawkinses now feel optimistic for the first time in a long time, and their son feels like he is on a good path, having detoxed from drugs and stepping away from negative influences. He feels that he now has a real relationship with his parents.

I like the wilderness program because he has ADHD, so having him stuck in a dorm-type situation at a residential facility wouldnt have worked for him, Liz Hawkins said. You have to do your homework. We asked our friend who had all this experience because you could do a lot of damage if you pick the wrong one.

Liz Johnson sent her son to wilderness therapy, and although the program did not ultimately save his life, she believes wilderness therapy gave him a second chance at a full and productive life before his passing.

Johnsons son lost his battle with depression and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) a progressive brain condition associated with players of contact sports caused by repeated concussions and blows to the head eight years ago.

It was his wish that his family help others find good and safe programs for their children, which is why Johnson created the Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation in his honor. After Parkers death, Johnson found herself able to count less than a dozen out of hundreds of programs that would be mentally and physically safe enough to send a child for help.

Recently, while attending a motorcycling class, she learned her instructor ran a wilderness program in Oregon. She asked about his philosophy and immediately recoiled at his response. He described a bootcamp military model that would scare the teen straight.

When your child is so fragile and crying out for help, your child doesnt have the tools [to heal]. They are grasping at whatever they have, like a cat in a corner. They are trying to figure out how to feel better, whether it be alcohol or drugs. Its all bad, but that scared straight model doesnt give them better tools to cope.

In fact, research shows the scared straight model actually did nothing to decrease offenses by delinquents. This model actually increases offenses by delinquents from 1% to 28%.

Johnson also raises money for families hoping to make treatment more financially accessible. The cost for six weeks of treatment at vetted, research-based facilities can be anywhere between $10,000 to $100,000.

David Peterson, 37, a rapper and musician from Utah, also went to Anasazi when he was 20 years old and also had a successful outcome, feels more resilient, accountable and able to make positive choices but the financial sacrifice of over $20,000 his parents made still lingers in the corners of his relationship with them.

He took the program seriously and learned that he could do hard things.

Everything from a really challenging hike to being able to make fire out of sticks taught me that I could survive. Theres something in your soul that needs to know that you could make it rather than just feeling like a toothless 20-year-old baby.

Initially, he didnt feel like the program affected him in any major way. It wasnt until a year later that he noticed himself doing things differently. Events that would have beset him, like a hard class or a girl not liking him, werent keeping him in bed any more. He now had a visceral knowledge that he could endure hard things and rise to the occasion.

People have asked me if I would recommend Anasazi to people, and I do in certain situations. I never recommend it for anyone that is not willing to go. If youre tricking someone or snatching them in the middle of the night, I couldnt imagine how that is gonna get a good outcome. The other thing that I would say to parents is they should have no specific outcome in mind. This is about that person learning something about themselves.

David is right it is often how a child arrives at wilderness therapy that will determine their outcome. Some described being gooned in the middle of the night by strongmen hired by their family to forcibly transport them to camp. For others, direct betrayal was at the heart of it.

Nathan Mosher was sent to Anasazi when he was 17, but the way he was sent there severed further ties with his family.

Nathans father had died of cancer three years prior, and his processing of the death was more aggressive and solitary than the rest of his familys. He was riding his motorcycles at all hours, arguing over petty miscommunications with his siblings and getting into fights at school. His mom tried to get him to therapy but after bad experiences with therapists as a child, he was vehemently against it.

She was running out of options, and finally told him he was going to go dirt biking with his uncle in Arizona.

When he got on the plane with his mom, he realized something was off it just didnt make sense to have her fly down to Arizona from Colorado with him.

They landed and walked to the passenger pickup. He looked for his uncles truck with the dirtbikes in the back but instead saw him pull up in a compact car. They all got in the car, and his mom told him that instead of dirt biking, he was going to go camping for a few weeks.

It started to dawn on Nathan that this was an intervention, and he frantically tried to memorize street names so he could run.

They stopped at a worn-down building in Mesa, Arizona, less than 15 miles outside Phoenix, a building Nathan would come to understand as the Anasazi Foundation. His uncle and mom stepped out of the car and walked towards the building, locking him in the car.

They planned this out very thoroughly, because they knew that I would escape, Nathan said. I was thinking about kicking the door. But I have respect for my uncle. I didnt want to break the window. I was like, the second they open this door, Ill bolt.

Once the staff came out of the building to retrieve him, Nathan realized he had no chance against the handcuffs. So he refused to get out of the car.

He sat as the temperatures rose above 90 degrees, with the windows rolled up. Realizing that the heat was going to beat him quicker than expected, he knew he had to get out and run. He also knew the desert did not care about his persistence, direction skills, desperation or willingness to panhandle.

The safest and only option would be to submit to the program and get out as soon as he could.

Nathan was sent on a week-long safety course called the Rabbit Course. It was just him and a trailwalker, a frontline staff member trained to guide the boys along a route and ensure their safety while also accommodating their healing. He learned how to pack his bag, hunt and start a fire with primitive resources.

He then spent weeks hiking between six and 10 miles a day under the baking sun. He caught most of his own food and created his own shelter with seven other boys.

The group would take breaks every week, and the therapists would come by and meet with each boy and report on their progress. They would also deliver letters from home. Participants were cut off from technology and completely removed from the outside world, so this chance to get word from families was precious and also highly regulated by the therapist.

Some boys in the group were detoxing from heroin addiction, and not afraid of using their knife as a weapon. In order to survive this group, Nathan felt he had to posture as the leader of the pack. At 17, he stood at 6ft 3in and was wiry but strong. In a fight, he could hold his own and was willing to take all the punches. He also knew that the trail walker was not going to be able to protect him.

You start getting this gang mentality, he recalls. Then youre realizing, Im becoming manipulative to the other kids and the trail walkers. Im learning how to use people and use their emotions and use their trauma instead. I feel like that in itself is pretty evil, but you gotta do what you got to do. And you have kids who are trying to stab you in your sleep, or kids that try and kill the trail walker. You are on guard at all times and you have to sort of eat or be eaten.

Leavitt Wells, marketing director for Anasazi Foundation, explained that staff are trained to be proactive and initiate knife restrictions in the band if knives are being used as weapons or violence is being threatened. If a physically violent situation happens, staff are directed to use a therapeutic hold.

Wells said, The truth is we dont like to use them, but just like other safety measures, its there if needed and warranted. All of our staff are trained in therapeutic holds through an advisory company called Positive Control Systems.

Once a hold is used, a series of follow-up documentation, discussions and trainings is initiated.

In short, we are constantly learning, evolving and making changes to best suit our clients needs and keeping everyone as safe as possible in a wilderness setting, she said.

The days melted together in the desert heat; Nathan still doesnt know how long he spent there. But 13 years on, Nathan is still learning to trust his family. He spent the past five years bouncing between Arizona and Colorado, and feels the desert is one of the only places he feels equipped to survive in.

I thought about going back and being a positive force in one of these places but at the same time, I dont want to be a part of it because I dont want to perpetuate pulling kids away from their families where the actual issue is.

With Anasazi, I lucked out because they werent abusive, Nathan said. I dont know if Anasazi would have made a difference or not but I do feel like I learned that I am one hell of a manipulator if I wanted to be. And if I wanted to run a gang, I probably could. Thats when I learned. And thats scary to me. Im not meant to have that kind of power.