Finally, we offer a wide range of other treatment options here at first step.  We cover the spectrum from 8 hours of education to 60 hours of intermediate-level substance abuse treatment.  Occasionally we design a shorter than 90-hour intensive outpatient program for a client.  The 90-hour IOP is the highest level of care we offer, although longer stays in the IOP are possible and aftercare programs here can supplement an IOP or other treatment program.  We do not offer day treatment as such, residential, or inpatient services, but have at our fingertips a lot of information about these services in the area and connections to these providers.  We even house an AA meeting here on Fridays at noon and SMART recover on Thursday evenings for those who are afraid at first to step out into the community and access community support programs.

        I hope this is helpful for you.  First Step would certainly like to work closely with you.  If there is anything we at First Step Services, LLC can do to further assist in this matter, please do not hesitate to give us a call. 

Justin Ayre, LCSW, CAS-I

Substance Abuse Counselor

IOP Group Track Leader

What comes after IOP? Some participants choose to step down to attending group one evening per week or attend individual counseling at First Step to help with maintaining the benefits gained in the program. Other clients participate in the 12-step programs such as AA or NA. A few choose to attend other self-help groups such as Smart Recovery and some participate at a new level in their church or spiritual support groups.   

  When and where do the groups meet? Groups meet Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00-9:15 PM at 211 Six Forks Road, Suite 117, Raleigh. Individual and family counseling sessions may be scheduled any time Monday - Friday to support the intensive outpatient clients and their families and friends. Garner and Durham IOP groups meet Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

What about going to a detox or inpatient substance abuse treatment  program? Once a person completes detox from alcohol or drug abuse, the chances of ongoing abstinence or even recovery are greatly improved by following with intensive outpatient for 3 or more months. Most hospitals and residential treatment centers strongly recommend an intensive outpatient aftercare program. 

 When and how do I get started? The groups are "open" which means you may start at almost any time. The IOP has a maximum capacity of 12 clients. To get started, call First Step and schedule an intake and orientation appointment. You will be able to start within a day or two of the initial phone call. First Step is usually able to see clients  within 24 hours and you can start at the very next scheduled group if you choose.