ALCOHOL/DRUG ABUSE EVALUATION - An evaluation by a Licensed or Certified therapist will determine what, if any, education or treatment is necessary. Background information is obtained about employment, schooling, family and health together with information about patterns of alcohol and or drug use. Standardized and approved testing instruments are used. If the client has a pending legal charge, the therapist writes an evaluation letter which may be used in Court proceedings. The recommendations are explained to the client and he or she is given the option to attend the appropriate program. If more intensive help is needed a referral is made. Although many people have an evaluation as the result of a legal charge, others have recognized the possibility of a substance abuse problem and chosen to do something about the problem before legal, family, employment or emotional problems occur or worsen.	SIX-WEEK ALCOHOL EDCUATION PROGRAM - This program is designed for the person who does not show evidence of an alcohol problem but who has received an alcohol-related legal charge. Information about the effects of alcohol on the body, the consequences of drinking and the laws related to alcohol use are explained. These clients also have the opportunity to see other people who do have an alcohol problem and observe their denial in the face of overwhelming consequences of addictive drinking. This is often the most dramatic way in which to demonstrate the power that alcohol can have over a human being. Hopefully, the knowledge gained will help preclude any future problems. Knowledge is power. If you made a mistake because of a lack of knowledge about the effects and consequences of alcohol, learn now, and never have to repeat the mistake.
TWENTY-SIX WEEK ALCOHOL/DRUG TREATMENT PROGRAM - The 26-week program is designed for those persons who show evidence of an alcohol or other drug problem. Twenty-six weeks is the length of time mandated by the state for persons who have received a DUI/DWI, dependent upon their blood-alcohol-level (BAL). It has also been found to be an appropriate average treatment time length for abusers of other substances and for people, despite their BAL, who have other symptoms of abuse or addiction. Clients attend a once-a-week group session for this period. During the program clients learn extensively about the problems that are caused by the use of alcohol and other drugs, relapse triggers, and methods and strategies to avoid relapse. Over the years we have seen many people who initially denied having any substance problem come to acknowledge their problem and go on to have better health, family relations, financial status, career and a happy, productive future.	TARGET PROGRAM - The Alternative Recovery Group, Expanded Treatment (TARGET) assists chronic relapsers and people with multiple legal charges or other negative consequences in developing the necessary skills to remain alcohol and drug free. Clients attend 2 or 3 sessions per week (according to their needs) and intensely participate in their own treatment. For some people TARGET has been a viable alternative to inpatient treatment. TARGET is a a voluntary program and is limited to people that have a sincere desire to become and remain sober and clean. Many people who had attended other forms of treatment were finally able to achieve their goal of sobriety through participation in TARGET. The length of treatment varies with the person's need. This is discussed with the person, the group and the therapist. A very healing level of trust is developed in the TARGET Program, to the benefit of all involved.
OUTPATIENT DETOXIFICATION - Outpatient "detox" referrals are available for people addicted to heroin and/or other opiates. We refer clients to qualified physicians experienced in the field of addiction treatment. Alcohol and benzodiazapine ("tranquilizer") detoxification is usually best performed in an inpatient setting. We can also provide referrals for people needing those services. DETOX IS A MEDICAL PROCEDURE, IT IS NOT TREATMENT. We offer post-detox counseling services for those people we refer to Medical Detoxification. We STRONGLY encourage all people who have gone through a Medical Detox to become actively involved in a continuing treatment program. While medications and medical care can ease the pain and trauma of detoxification, the powerful cravings, old behaviors and misinformation can and usually do cause relapse to drug use. Treatment offers ways for people to build on their strengths and learn to cope with life's stresses and problems without again resorting to drug use.	POST-DETOX TREATMENT - After detoxification from alcohol or other drugs, the physical need for the drug is gone. Now the hard work begins. The cravings that most people feel, either for alcohol or other drugs, are intense and for some, almost impossible to resist. Everyone is strongly advised to attend meetings of Alcoholics and/or Narcotics Anonmyous. Attending a treatment group adds vital support to the recovery process and helps forge positive relationships between the group members. Recovery is difficult, BUT IT CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED! The length of this treatment depends on individual needs. DRUG ABUSE EDUCATION - Many people today, particularly young people, have experimented with illicit drugs. If a pattern of abuse or addiction is NOT detected during the initial evaluation, an education program detailing the FACTS about the effects, dangers and consequences of illicit drug use may prevent future and ongoing problems. This program is also available to people with a first-time legal charge of possession of CDS (illegal drugs) or paraphernalia. The program is Twelve Weeks long, and random urinalysis or breathalyser testing may be required. Sucessful completion requires complete abstinence from mind/mood altering drugs.