adult intensive outpatient

Intensive Phase

After the assessment process is completed, an individual who is an appropriate fit for group treatment will be referred to Avenues intensive outpatient program (IOP). Avenues group size is small (no more than eight adults) to ensure individualized care. Readiness for group treatment is determined in the intake interview/assessment process and includes:

• Assuring that the patient recognizes his/her addiction as a problem
• Assuring that the patient is ready to commit to change
• Assuring that the patient does not require a higher level of care

This intensive level of treatment requires group participation at Avenues nine hours of each week. Supplementary involvement in 12-step recovery is required during the course of treatment. Avenues IOP meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings from 6-9 p.m. Urine drug screens are administered at the beginning of each group session. This intensive phase of the program is designed to last eight weeks, provided the patient meets specific treatment goals established in the individualized treatment plan.

Continuing Care Phase

After the patient completes the intensive phase of Avenues IOP, he/she is transitioned into continuing care. This phase of treatment is designed the further the gains made in the first eight weeks at Avenues. Continuing Care includes increased involvement in the patient's established 12 step program, weekly attendance of a continuing care group at Avenues and individual therapy as indicated.

Traditional Therapies

Avenues intensive outpatient program includes proven methods of treatment provided by expert therapists. The core structure of our IOP is the following weekly groups:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  This group teaches patients that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors, as opposed to external things, like people, situations, and events. Patients benefit from learning that we can change the way we think in order to feel/act better, even if the situation does not change.

• Medical Group

  This psychoeducational group, facilitated by the medical director, helps patients explore the physiological effects of addiction and begin the process of healing their minds
  and bodies.

• 12-Step Group

  This weekly group teaches patients about 12 step recovery and is intended to be used as a supplement to regular Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meeting attendance. Each Avenues patient will have completed written work on steps one and two prior to his/her transition into continuing care. In addition, patients learn practical application, on a daily basis, of the principles contained in the 12 steps.

• Process Group

  This less structured group provides a place for members to work on interpersonal issues. Here patients begin to become conscious of what?s going on in themselves, how they are interacting with the group, and how the group is functioning as a whole.

Music Therapy

Music therapy is a weekly, experiential group that utilizes music to begin unlocking those potentials that already reside within each individual. Music, spontaneous imagery, and the patient's innate potential toward healing, all combine in this process to address physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions of recovery.

Family Therapy

Chemical dependency is treated as a family illness at Avenues. Families affected by the disease of addiction experience high stress levels. Often their prior unsuccessful attempts at dealing with this pressure result in frustration and a sense of hopelessness. This families-only group provides a safe and relaxed setting for individuals who love a substance abuser to get the support and education they need in a confidential environment. The adult family group meets bi-weekly and does not include the addict in intensive outpatient treatment at Avenues.

Auricular Acupuncture

Explained simply, auricular (or ear) acupuncture is a specialized complementary therapy in which acupuncture points on the outer ear are treated, using needles, to help relieve alcohol and other drug cravings and assist in easing the detoxification process. Patients at Avenues receive acupuncture on a weekly basis from a qualified auricular acupuncture detoxification specialist.

Yoga

Practitioners of this ancient Indian system of health care use breathing exercises, posture, stretches, and meditation to balance the body's energy centers. This complimentary approach to mental health care emphasizes the interrelationship between mind, body and spirit and plays an important role in recovery and healing. Yoga is used in combination with the other elements of our intensive outpatient program to assist in alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Patients practice yoga on a weekly basis at Avenues with a certified instructor.

Psychodrama

Facilitated on a bi-monthly basis at Avenues, psychodrama employs guided dramatic action to examine problems or issues raised by an individual. A highly experiential process, psychodrama facilitates insight, personal growth, and integration on cognitive, affective, and behavioral levels. It clarifies issues, increases physical and emotional well being, enhances learning and helps patients develop new skills.