frequently asked questions programs and services our staff about us useful links our location contact us back to home page
 
make a referral
 Referrals may be made by:
  • family member
  •
a friend
  •
health professional
  •
clergy
 
self


 
our mission
 
 
 Treatment Goals:
  • Chemical Abstinence
  •
Behavior Management
  •
Emotional Balance
  •
Self Respect

 

 

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.

top


blue ridge first step
 
recovery forum


 

 

     
Web Site Designed and Hosted by sfxdata.com