The onset of chemical dependency in the young adult stage of human development can result in arrested development preventing the sufferer from maturing into healthy adulthood. Consequently, treatment issues must address not only the chemical dependency, but also the healthy integration of coping strategies or living skills appropriate for the young adult’s stage of development. Young adults frequently desire independence, but are still dependent upon their parents or guardians for support. Participation in treatment by parents and guardians is critically important in maximizing positive treatment outcomes.

Our goal is to provide a treatment program that maximizes the chances for long-term recovery for all our patients. Healthy support by both adults and peers throughout the process is an essential component of recovery. Young adults prosper in recovery more often when their home lives and social lives, as well as school and work environments, are supportive of their recovery goals. At the Dilworth Center, we consider it our responsibility to assist patients and their families in effectively treating the chemical dependency and help them structure positive support systems.

The 46-session young adult treatment program is designed to deliver effective and intensive chemical dependency treatment in a manner that allows participants and their families to continue their work and home routines. The goal of treatment is to establish abstinence from alcohol and other drugs with an emphasis on continuous recovery as a means of moving towards a well-integrated life.

Each patient participates in an intake session prior to beginning treatment. Following a thorough assessment, involving parents or guardians and the patient, a preliminary treatment plan is developed, and the patient is given an orientation to the treatment process. Once the patient begins treatment, all involved parents or guardians will be required to attend a treatment orientation session followed by weekly attendance at family program sessions.

Following the intake session are five basic interwoven components of the process:

• Intensive Outpatient (IOP) – Intensive Outpatient Treatment consists of two evening sessions and one Saturday morning session per week for a minimum of eight weeks. All IOP treatment sessions have two primary components: an educational presentation and group therapy.
• Outpatient Treatment (OP) – Outpatient Treatment follows successful completion of Intensive Outpatient Treatment and consists of 16 sessions, two sessions per week for eight weeks. The purpose of Outpatient Treatment is to facilitate a continuity of care as the patient moves away from Intensive Outpatient Treatment.
• Continuing Care – Continuing Care Treatment follows successful completion of Outpatient Treatment and consists of two sessions, one session per week for two weeks. The primary focus of Continuing Care is to prepare patients for the transition from Dilworth Center’s treatment services to community-based, mutual-help groups as a means of on-going recovery support.
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – Each patient is required to participate in meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Young adults are expected to attend meetings on days they are not in treatment.
• Young Adult Family Treatment Program – Young adult family members are expected to participate in Family Program sessions for a minimum of eight consecutive weeks on Thursdays or Saturdays and attend weekly Al-Anon meeting throughout the duration of their patient’s treatment. In addition, family members will participate in Family Conjoint sessions.