What does a typical day look like for substance use treatment?

GROUP COUNSELING

(Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) 9:30-10:20 A.M 

(Monday, Tuesday, Thursday ) 10:30-11:20 A.M

This counseling part of group is designed to reduce isolation, learn communication skills, share in feedback, learn what is blocking individual path’s to goals, witness the recovery of others, and begin relying on the self and other group members and less on the counselor. It is used to help clients identify and address needs related to substance use and develop strategies to avoid harmful substance use after discharge and to help clients obtain the services necessary to establish a lifestyle free of the harmful effects of substance use disorder through processing with peers and their counselor. Each client is encouraged to identify positive qualities in their day, potential blocks to recovery, and work on their communication and openness with the group. Process group is utilized to help the client identify and address needs related to substance use and develop strategies to avoid harmful substance use.

GROUP EDUCATION 

(Monday) 6:00-6:50 P.M, 

(Monday, Tuesday) 11:30 A.M-12:30 P.M.

(Wednesday) 10:30-11:20 P.M.

Education part of group covers topics presented in lecture style format. Client education provides education strategies to avoid inappropriate substance use and health problems related to substance use and the necessary changes in lifestyle to regain and maintain health. These include:

Referral to identified medical and wellness services

Learning and practice of mindfulness and meditation techniques

Dissemination of written material and psycho educational presentations on the causes, progression and negative consequences of continued substance use

Relapse education and prevention strategies and skills

HIV, tuberculosis, other sexually transmitted diseases, drug and alcohol use during pregnancy, and hepatitis.

Materials for education and training purposes will be utilized from the Minnesota Department of Health to meet or exceed all requirements set forth by the commissioner.

GROUP TRANSITION

(Wednesday) 11:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M.

The transition part of group explores the process of transition and how it relates to implementing change after treatment in coordination with the client. This time allows for clients to identify personal needs for services that may support recovery upon termination of services and coordinates services between clients and community-based providers. Clients work to formulate a safe plan for their discharge from treatment. Transition group helps clients integrate gains made during treatment into daily living and reduce reliance on clinical staff through completion of individualized recovery plans and implementation of person-centered goals. Topics include process of the transition, skills they can use, and resources available and promote: independence, family involvement, housing, employment, continued treatment services and supports, pro-social networks, and community participation. 

Examples of transitional services that may be utilized:

Assist the client with accessing community resources.

Educate the client on healthy boundaries, interpersonal relationships and communication. 

Assist in linking the client with necessary resources for medical, mental, financial and other needs

Assist the client with employment information; resume writing, job applications, and doing mock interviews. 

CO-OCCURRING GROUP

(Thursday) 11:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M.

The Co-occurring part of group addresses mental health and substance use disorders and is provided with an integrated, comprehensive perspective toward the client’s overall recovery. Group counseling, psychoeducational presentations regarding symptoms of mental illness, the possibility of co-morbidity, and the need for medication compliance, and referrals to appropriate community services are offered.