Chemical Dependency

We understand alcoholism and drug addiction are diseases.
We believe left untreated, addiction progresses to insanity and death.
We know people can and do recover.


Our conviction is that chemical dependency is a highly individualized illness that responds best to a treatment regime where group therapy and process is emphasized.

"I can't, we can."

Master Treatment Plans evolve from the intensive assessment period which individuals go through during detox and stabilization. Medical history and physical, nursing assessment, psychosocial interview, psychological testing, as needed, leisure, occupational and vocational reviews all occur during the first few days following admission. An independent family interview for co-lateral data is also completed if at all possible.

Treatment plans are assessed and amended throughout the individual's course of treatment. Goals and objectives, keyed to the treatment plan's problem list, are reviewed with the patient and treatment team, and become the barometer for gauging success.

Discharge planning begins at admission, and involves the referral source, outpatient therapist, family, employer, AA and NA groups, temporary and permanent sponsors, aftercare groups, and halfway house placement when necessary.

Treatment is delivered through a variety of groups geared to address the complex physical, behavioral, psychological, social, and spiritual components which impair normal functioning. These include: orientation and group building, medical aspects of addiction, reality therapy, cognitive therapy, gender specific therapy, family therapy and leisure activities.

• Reality therapy focuses on here and now issues using supportive confrontation and interpretation to break through patient denial and rationalization. Focus tends to be on the patient's behavior in both group and the community, stressing the importance of group members taking effective control of their lives by learning realistic, responsible, and socially appropriate behavior.
• Experiential Therapy is utilized to help patients understand how unresolved experiences from the past influences present functioning. Patients are able to work through unresolved conflicts and to express blocked feelings. Techniques used include psychodrama, Gestalt Therapy, role-plays, and structured group exercises.
• Cognitive Therapy addresses dysfunctional mental processes which tend to support maladaptive emotions and behaviors. This group explores how the use of negative thoughts and irrational beliefs maintain dysfunctional behavior. Psychoeducational techniques of instruction, modeling, practice, feedback, and disputing assist the patient with change.
• Leisure resources provide opportunities for patients to learn new activities and to be involved in healthy fun without the use of mood altering substances. These activities are used in continuing recovery plans as a means of alternate activities for previous time spent using.
• Gender specific groups address issues which may be difficult to explore in the presence of members of the opposite sex. These include explorations of relationship issues, sexual abuse, and sexual dysfunction.
• Family workshops are held every weekend. They offer education and process opportunities regarding the effect of substance abuse on the family, counseling, and multiple family therapy.

Discharge is based on the patient completing or having made significant progress in the problem areas identified on the Master Treatment Plan. Discharge dates are reviewed weekly by the treatment team and are amended individually as appropriate.