John Volken Academy - Seattle

Our son just completed and graduated from JVA after 2 full years. This program saved our sons life and gave us back the man that we knew was always within him. JVA is a two year program that is student run. There aren’t counselors, therapists, or pharmacists associated with it. They don’t dwell on why they have addictive issues, rather they teach them how to deal with everyday life, working, having fun, etc. without the need or want for chemicals. In our experience, short-term programs don’t work because there isn’t enough time in the program to overcome behaviors that will eventually return. They may have become sober in a short program but staying sober is difficult. We have been completely impressed with this program and whole-heartedly would recommend it to anyone. Our son has a bright future ahead of him due to JVA and the hard work he has put in to the program.

The website says it all – ‘You become who you were meant to be.’ We had lost our son, Eric, to addiction. He hadn’t passed away, but was certainly in danger of it. He had become a stranger to us – an imposter in our beautiful son’s body. He struggled with extreme opiate addiction – and really whatever mind altering substances he could get his hands on – for over a decade!! He bounced in and out of jail and homelessness. It was gut-wrenching and heartbreaking! He tried a number of other traditional drug rehab facilities ‘graduating’ from some 30-40 day programs and dropping out or being kicked out of others. When we heard about JVA, we begged him to go. Initially, he was adamant that there was ‘no way in hell’ that he needed or would ever attend a 2-year program. After continued failed attempts trying other methods/programs, he applied and was accepted to JVA. He initially committed to going for 6 months. After 6 months there, he told us that he had decided that he was going to stay the whole time and promised to graduate the program. He said that he saw changes in people more advanced in the program than himself who had qualities he admired and looked up to – and wanted the same for himself. He put in the hard work – making the most of his time there - ceasing the opportunity to learn, grow and better his life and that of others. He graduates at the end of this month and has a bright future ahead of him if he stays on track (and we are optimistic he will) – with employment lined up, and the tools and resources necessary to not only navigate and survive – but to thrive!! Thank you, John and Chawna Volken, for your vision, generosity and wisdom in creating this program- and for making it affordable to all! We have our son back – the man, family member and person he was always meant to be. We are eternally grateful!

Was here for a little over a year. Everything is run by the students, and it gets EXTREMELY political. If you're not part of leadership, you're pretty much on your own. If you have any mental health issues, it's probably best not to go here as you are not allowed to attend regular therapy with a professional, and most medications are not allowed. There are no professional staff members, and there are only two staff members that actually work there. They claim that they have "group therapy," but from my experience, it is just the guys in leadership yelling at you, punishing you, and putting you down. Although I am now sober, I still have trauma from this place that I have to see a therapist weekly for. Twice a week, I was yelled at and ridiculed, even for things that weren't true. Again, if you have mental health issues of any kind, this is probably not the place for you. I have seen a lot of guys complete the program successfully. I am just speaking from my own experience.

The life of our grandson was saved by the John Volken Academy. He worked hard to complete his application, and all of us in the family were so thankful when he was accepted to the long-term treatment that is offered there. We could never have afforded such lasting care and education and work experience and watchful guidance as he has gotten from any other facility anywhere! He has been there for two years now, and is working toward graduation.. Thank you, John Volken. Thank you, Academy staff. Thank you, God, for helping us find JVA.

After a long cycle of traditional rehab, relapse, traditional rehabs again and again, my son found John Volken Academy. What a difference this unique program has made! I truly don’t know if my son would be alive today without the skills and heart-change resulting from the principles and processes of this program.