First Step group room
Alcohol and Drug Counseling Groups
Level Two: Short-Term Treatment Program
As the result of your substance abuse assessment, you might be required to complete a Short-term Substance Abuse Treatment Program. You would be placed in this program in accordance with guidelines issued by the N.C. Department of Human Services, which regulates DWI assessments and treatment. All programs, whether private or public, must provide a minimum of 20 contact hours of treatment over a minimum of 30 days .

The First Step short-term program consists of a Program Orientation and seven 2 3/4-hour group counseling sessions spread out over no less than 30 days. These groups meet on Six Forks Road in Raleigh on Monday and  Wednesday 6:00-8:45 PM or Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30-9:15 PM in Raleigh. There is also a Saturday session that meets from 9:00 AM until 11:45 AM.  

Durham groups meet on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Garner groups meet Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings 6:00 - 9:00 PM. 

We will assist you in arranging a schedule that works best for you. To satisfy NC DWI requirements, you must complete the required number of hours in no less than 30 days for the short-term program.

If finances are difficult, you can possibly work out a payment plan. If paying at group time, please arrive 15 minutes early to allow time to process payment.

If you are on a payment plan, no completion letters or certificates will be issued until your fees are paid in full.

Most major insurance is accepted for most services.