---

Return to Programs & Services
Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Treatment
Dilworth Kids Program for Children
Adolescent Education and Awareness Program
Continuing Care and Extended Care

The Dilworth Center supports the American Medical Association’s definition of alcoholism in describing chemical dependency as a primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. The disease is often both progressive and fatal. It is characterized by impaired control over chemical use, preoccupation with the drug, use of the drug despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, most notably denial. Each of these symptoms may be continuous or periodic.

The Dilworth Center believes that recovery from chemical dependency must begin with complete abstinence from all mood-altering chemicals. We believe that the best single mechanism for ensuring long-term recovery is active participation in mutual-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). The Dilworth Center believes that throughout the treatment process our patients, as well as their families, deserve the same dignity and quality of care as those suffering from any other disease.

The adult, 40-session treatment program offered by the Dilworth Center 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. An assessment is performed, a preliminary treatment plan developed, and an orientation to the treatment process is delivered. Spouses, significant others and other family members of the patient may participate in this session if possible. Following the intake session are four basic interwoven components of the treatment process:

1.	Intensive Outpatient (IOP) - Intensive Outpatient consists of two evening sessions and one Saturday morning session per week for a minimum of six weeks. Each of these sessions lasts three hours. All treatment sessions have two primary components, an educational presentation and a group therapy session. The educational presentations cover such topics as “The Disease of Chemical Dependency”, “Denial”, and “The Family Illness”. Lectures centered on each of the first four Steps of Recovery are provided as well. Because denial is a major symptom of chemical dependency, these educational presentations and lectures are designed to enable the participants to confront their disease and recognize and admit their addiction. This process not only instructs, but also involves the patient in the recovery process. Group therapy provides a climate where bonding with other recovering people can take place. New learning and behaviors are tested, and feelings are shared.
2.	Continuing Care - Continuing Care consists of 18 group therapy sessions over 12 weeks; twice a week for six weeks, followed by once a week for six weeks. Based on the goals and objectives of individualized treatment plans, some participants may be involved in Continuing Care beyond 12 weeks. These group sessions are scheduled Tuesday and Thursday evenings and last ninety minutes. The purpose of Continuing Care is to facilitate a continuity of care as the patient moves away from Intensive Outpatient treatment. Continuing Care is more than just the provision of a structured transitional experience. It provides an opportunity for patients to capitalize on the gains made during Intensive Outpatient. It is a means by which patients can continue to work on issues derived from their treatment plans. It is continuing reinforcement for the necessity of ongoing involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. It is also an environment in which patients may learn relapse prevention strategies.
3.	Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) - From the beginning of Intensive Outpatient and throughout Continuing Care, each patient is required to participate in meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. The frequency of meeting attendance is determined by each patient’s individualized treatment plan.
4.	The Family Program - Family participation in treatment is encouraged, and at times, required at the Dilworth Center . Family members and significant others are involved in educational and group therapy on Saturday mornings or Thursday evenings for six consecutive sessions. Additionally, involvement in Al-Anon or Nar-Anon is expected and encouraged.