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 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday  evenings from 6:00-9:15 PM in Raleigh. There is also a Saturday session that meets from 9:00 AM until 12:15 PM. We will assist you in arranging a schedule that works best for you. You must complete the required number of hours in no less than 30 days.

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.

Level Three: Intermediate-Term  Treatment Program

As the result of your substance abuse assessment, you could be referred to  an Intermediate-term Substance Abuse Treatment Program. You would be placed in this program in accordance with guidelines issued by the N.C. Department of Human Resources, which regulates DWI assessments and treatment.

 This program consists of a Program Orientation and 15  2 3/4 -hour sessions and an individual closing session, spread out over at least 60 days . Groups meet Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00-9:15 PM in Raleigh. A Saturday session meets from 9:00 AM until 11:45 AM.  We will assist you in arranging a schedule that works best for you. NC law states you must complete the required number of hours in no less than 60 days.

If money is tight at this time, you can work out a payment plan and get your treatment hours out of the way.  Payment can be made by check, cash, credit card or money order. 

If paying at group time, please arrive 15 minutes early to allow time to process payment. All fees must be paid before your completion notice is sent to the Department of Motor Vehicles . 

Level 4:  Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program

90-hour Program, completed in no less than 90 days. Groups meet Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings There is also a Saturday morning program that may be substituted for an evening group or may be used as a make-up session. This schedule is subject to change according to need. 

Click here for more on the Intensive Outpatient Program

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