adolescent intensive outpatient treatment

Intensive Phase

After the assessment process is completed, adolescents who are an appropriate fit for group treatment will be referred to Avenues Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Avenues group size is small (no more than eight adolescents) to ensure individualized care. Readiness for group treatment is determined in the intake interview/assessment process and includes assuring that the adolescent recognizes his/her addiction as a problem, that he/she is ready to commit to change and that he/she does not require a higher level of care.

This more intensive level of treatment requires group/individual participation at Avenues on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings from 6-8:30 p.m. Supplementary involvement in 12-step recovery is suggested during the course of treatment. This phase of Avenues Adolescent Services is designed to last ten weeks, provided the individual meets treatment goal specified in the individualized master treatment plan. Adolescent Services include proven methods of treatment provided by expert therapists.

The core structure of our program is the following weekly groups:

Stages of Change Group

This weekly group introduces patients to the stages of change, 12 step recovery and the importance of community in claiming an identity as a "recovering" person. Relapse prevention tools, such as identifying triggers (emotional, verbal, physical) are taught and a written relapse prevention plan created. Each adolescent will be able to verbalize un understanding of steps one, two and three 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.

Multi-family Group

Recognizing that effective intervention requires more than simply treating the adolescent, a whole-family approach is employed at Avenues. Involving the family is imperative to promoting lasting change. Parents or legal guardians are EXPECTED to attend this group with their adolescent family member while he/she is in treatment at Avenues.

The goals of family therapy include strengthening parental leadership, clarifying boundaries, enhancing coping skills and freeing family members from their entrenched positions within the family structure.

Process Group

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

Life Skills Group

The life skills element of Avenues' group program is more psychoeducational in nature and includes recognizing and changing negative thoughts, development of communication and assertiveness skills, exploration of gender issues, problem solving and identity development.

Music Therapy

This highly experiential group utilizes music to begin unlocking those potentials that already reside within each individual. Music, spontaneous imagery, and the patientÌs innate potential toward healing, all combine in this process to address physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions of recovery.

*Psychodramatic Techniques

Facilitated on a *bi-monthly basis at Avenues, trained therapists employ psychodramatic techniques, directing dramatic action, in order to examine problems or issues raised by an individual. A highly experiential process, psychodramatic techniques facilitate insight, personal growth, and integration on cognitive, affective, and behavioral levels. This method clarifies issues, increases physical and emotional well being, enhances learning and helps patients develop new skills.

Continuing Care Phase

After the patient completes the intensive phase of Adolescent Services, he/she is transitioned into continuing care. This phase of treatment is designed the further the gains made in the first ten 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.