First
Step Intensive Outpatient Program
for Chemical Dependency
The primary goal of this program
is to help you develop the coping strategies you will need to
resume a productive and successful life without the use of mood-altering
substances. To accomplish this, First Step uses group therapy,
educational groups, assignments, and involvement of the family.
Please ask questions or express concerns whenever you have them.
It has been our experience that you will get out of this program
what you put into it.
OVERVIEW
OF THE PROGRAM
First Step is a 20 day treatment
program that meets four days a week for five weeks. After you
are discharged, the program consists of a one year long Aftercare
Group that meets weekly.
The following is a list of
the core components of the First Step program. To read a description
of each component, click on the component link.
Components of the Program:
Clinical
Evaluation
In the first several days upon beginning
the First Step program, you will receive a comprehensive clinical
evaluation and medical screening by the Medical Director. Any
identified problems will be referred to your primary care physician.
If you have not had a recent physical examination, you will
be encouraged to do so.
Treatment
Planning top
Although First Step is a group program,
you will have a treatment plan that is individualized to your
needs. It will include specific problems to be addressed in
treatment, long- and short- term goals, family goals, and discharge
plan. You will have an opportunity to review your treatment
plan with your primary counselor.
Group
Therapy top
Group Therapy meets for one hour three
times weekly and is led by a licensed clinician. It provides
an opportunity for you to practice skills critical to recovery
like sharing with others and giving and receiving both support
and feedback. You will be able to talk about your problems and
share your feelings about your addiction in a caring and supportive
group. The other group members can often help you clarify the
thoughts and feelings which in early recovery are often confusing.
Individual
Counseling top
Although the format for the First Step
program is groups, you will be assigned a primary counselor
while you are in treatment. This counselor will schedule a time
to meet with you weekly, to discuss your progress in treatment.
Doctor's
Group top
The Doctor's Group meets for one hour
weekly and is led by the First Step Medical Director. The doctor
will address medical and biological aspects of substance abuse,
recovery, and related issues.
Education
Group top
Education Group meets two to three times
weekly and is led by a First Step counselor. Topics that will
help you to understand more about your addiction and its treatment
will be discussed: disease concept, powerlessness, denial, first
step, program tools, cross-addiction, feelings, defenses, relapse
triggers, and recovery roadblocks.
Presentation
and Feedback Group top
Presentation and Feedback Group meets
two to three times weekly and is led by a First Step counselor.
In this group you will present your first step and relapse prevention
plan assignments to the other group members and receive feedback
Other areas of recovery that may be discussed in this group
include: weekly meeting attendance, getting a sponsor, and plans
for the weekend.
Assignments top
Treatment requires active participation.
An important method of participation used at First Step is written
assignments. Putting on paper specific recollections of your
drinking, using, and the resulting consequences is an effective
way to confront denial. Your first step assignment is a critical
part of your treatment and something on which you will need
to spend a considerable amount of time. You will then read your
first step to the other group members and they will give you
feedback. If you have any difficulties with reading or writing,
please let one of the counselors know.
Family
Support Group top
Family Support Group meets once weekly
and is led by a First Step counselor. This is a group just for
family members where they can ask questions about treatment,
address their concerns, and give and receive support.
Family
Education Group
Family Topic Group meets once weekly,
includes family members and patients, and is facilitated by
a First Step counselor. Topics related to the family and the
disease of alcohol and drug addiction are discussed including:
progression of the disease, enabling and codependency, alcoholic
family systems, relapse, and recovery process.
Multi-Family
Group top
Multi-Family Group meets once weekly and
is facilitated by a First Step counselor. In this group, you
and your family members and significant others are given the
opportunity to listen and share about personal experiences through
active addiction, in treatment, and into recovery. Multi-family
group is a place to help family members begin the healing process
by examining issues like trust, communication, and feelings.
Attendance
at AA or NA
First Step is not a “stand alone”
program. In other words, it is not intended to be the only tool
of recovery you use to stay sober. The First Step framework
is based on the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, and this
program works in conjunction with your attendance at twelve
step meetings. While you are in treatment, you will be expected
to attend a minimum of three AA or NA (Narcotics Anonymous)
meetings weekly. You will also need to obtain an AA or NA sponsor
before you are discharged. And after you complete the First
Step program, you will be encouraged to attend a meeting every
day for three months (“90 in 90”), then a minimum
of three meetings weekly.
Aftercare
Group top
Upon successful completion of the First
Step program, you will be eligible to attend weekly Aftercare
Group. Its purpose is to help you maintain the gains you make
during treatment, share about early recovery, problem-solve
relapse triggers, and give and receive support. Aftercare Groups
meet on Wednesdays from 5:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
- 7:45 p.m.
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