Substance Abuse Treatment & Education Series
Purpose & Design
This individual outpatient series is designed to educate and empower the participants. The content, techniques, and tools are research-based and selected specifically for the purpose of meeting our North Country Regional need for effective & meaningful substance abuse and recovery services. Some people in need of these services might come with resentment about having to "jump through hoops" due to a mandated requirement(1). Therefore, this series is based upon concepts of Motivational Intervention(2) set for by a variety of sources including the Stages of Change(3) and Motivational Enhancement (4) therapeutic models established in the field of substance abuse as a standard of practice(5). These models are valued for their effectiveness in dealing with people who are not "ready" to make the changes (6) being demanded of them and are used in a variety of settings such as weight reduction(7) and smoking cessation. Participants are not expected to believe they are "alcoholics" or "drug addicts" as part of this series. Harm Reduction(8) strategies are appropriate choices for some people and will be reviewed as part of this series. The success of self-help groups demonstrated in behavioral health research the importance of peer support(9) in successful long-term change in people's lives. Hence, attendance of at least three self-help group attendances, such as 12-Step Programs(10) is expected as part of the completion requirements.
Issues related to substance abuse reach into every aspect of our lives and relationships with others, and within our selves emotionally, physically, spiritually, and intellectually(11). Therefore, each participant will have the opportunity to participate in establishing individualized goals reaching into the "bigger picture" of their hopes and desires for life in general, thus empowerment toward a more content life. Everyone who completes this series will leave with a written plan of action(12) specifically tailored to their circumstances. Therefore, not everyone will progress through this series at the same rate. Most participants can expect to attend at least 6 - 8 one-hour individual weekly sessions unless otherwise indicated by their treatment plan or circumstances.
WHO is appropriate for this series?
ADULTS, TEENS, & FAMILIES
- Adults interested in learning more about Substance Abuse & Recovery.
- Adults referred by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)(21) in the process required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations set for by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT)(22).
- Adults referred for continued education and/or treatment as part of their completion requirements set forth by intervention programs related to Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUI).
- Teens who have been involved with drug or alcohol related school or legal violations.
- Families seeking help for substance abuse and/or seeking to strengthen recovery skills.
WHAT to expect from this series:
Everyone who completes this series will leave with a written plan of action specifically tailored to their unique circumstances. Those who attend due to probation requirements, DUI completion requirements, DOT regulation requirements, or other mandatory expectations.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn:
- The Disease Concept of Addiction
- The Developmental Stages of Physical and Emotional growth & how Drug or Alcohol abuse harm this system
- The Developmental Stages of Recovery and Relapse
- The importance of Healthy Lifestyle Choices including: Recreation and Vacation Planning; Nutrition, Relaxation, and Exercise
- Communication and Conflict Resolution Skills
- Some Self-help Group attendance will be required
What are the completion requirements?
Attend & participate.
Comply with individual treatment plan.
Full payment of entire balance due.
How long is this series?
Everyone who completes this series will leave with a written plan of action specifically tailored to their circumstances. Those who attend due to probation requirements, DUI completion requirements, DOT regulation requirements, or other mandates might have specific requirements that will be reviewed at the initial session. Participants can expect to attend at least 6 - 8 sessions depending on their circumstances.
Click here for a sample program outline
References cited above (pdf file format)