Adolescent Substance Abuse

Commit to change. We're here to help.

All First Step adolescent treatment programs are customized to each client's needs and unique set of circumstances. While treatment plans vary for each client, every First Step client receives:

  • Dignity and respect. We're here to help, not judge.
  • Care by our highly qualified staff with over 80 years of combined experience.
  • Opportunity for family involvement to make treatment more successful.

Take the First Step: Evaluation and Assessment

The results of an alcohol/other drug evaluation will lead to a recommendation based on the severity of the problem. Call First Step today at (402) 434-2730 to schedule an appointment.

Adolescent Warning Signs of Alcohol/Other Drug Use:

  • Unexplained personality change
  • Loss of interest in family/social/personal matters
  • Loss of interest in school or extracurricular activities
  • Has become negative and less tolerant
  • Angers easily or is frequently irritable
  • Frequently seems preoccupied or has more difficulty concentrating on important matters
  • Unexplained change in scholastic performance
  • Erratic behavior
  • Neglects chores and responsibilities
  • Chooses isolation
  • Has close friends known to use alcohol/other drugs
  • Broken promises
  • Has more knowledge of alcohol/other drugs than peers
  • Seems to blame others for his/her behaviors or problems
  • Manipulative and dishonest

Program Philosophy

First Step's outpatient programs provide personalized treatment times convenient to your schedule with minimal interruptions to your life.

Your outpatient program will involve group therapy where clients are encouraged to interact with others who are experiencing similar difficulties in their lives.

Our progressive recovery programs are based on a holistic, 12-step, abstinence based model of recovery. Treatment is designed to help clients (and their families) gain a thorough understanding about abuse and addiction, contributing thought patterns, and environmental triggers. First Step helps to make behavioral changes so that a more positive lifestyle can be achieved.

Program Descriptions

First Step's adolescent outpatient programs are both substance abuse specific and co-occurring disorders programs that are facilitated by a dually credentialed professional. We also offer individual and family therapy as part of our adolescent programs if desired or required.

Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Substance Abuse Program (ASAM Level II.I) - A group-focused, nonresidential program for chemically dependent or substance abusing adolescent clients who require a more restrictive treatment environment that provided by the outpatient program, but who do not require a residential program. Activities in the program focus on aiding clients to recognize their substance abuse problems and to develop knowledge and skills for making lifestyle changes necessary to maintain a life free from substance use. The program meets in a group setting four (4) times per week for six (6) weeks with each session being two (2) hours in length (total eight hours per week) with a certified counselor providing treatment services. Individual sessions are in addition to the scheduled eight (8) group hours per week and are arranged between the counselor and client on an as needed basis. The second phase of this intensive outpatient program consists of stepping the adolescent down to sixteen (16) weeks of outpatient group counseling which meets twice weekly for two (2) hours. The third phase of this intensive outpatient program consists of stepping the adolescent down to ten (10) weeks of aftercare as needed which meets once weekly for two (2) hours. The entire program is approximately 22 weeks to 26 weeks based on individual progress. Intensive Outpatient Counseling can also be provided to three (3) or more adolescents allowing them to live at home, attend school, and work while receiving treatment in individual or group sessions. It is important to remember that these sessions may be modified or may be reduced / increased based on individual needs with the referral approval and the counselor’s clinical impressions.

Adolescent Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment (ASAM Level I.0) - Clients who have outpatient group counseling required by their program plan will be placed in group counseling for outpatient substance abuse treatment / relapse prevention program. Outpatient group counseling for adolescents includes a sixteen (16) week program that meets for two (2) hours in the afternoon from 4pm – 6pm twice weekly and is designed for adolescents who are not chemically dependent but who are demonstrating patterns of chemical abuse. Topics in this program will include but are not limited to criminal thinking, managing antisocial behavior traits, social skills training, peer pressure, boundaries, coping skills, anger management, and relationship skills. The second phase of this outpatient program consists of ten (10) weeks of aftercare as needed which meets once weekly for two (2) hours. The entire program is approximately 12 to 16 weeks based on individual progress.

Adolescent Alcohol & Drug Education Program (ASAM Level 0.5) - This is a group session that meets once weekly for 5 weeks for a minimum of 15 hours. This program is designed for individuals exhibiting issues or experiencing negative consequences related to substance use but do not necessarily meet diagnostic criteria for abuse or dependence. This is mainly for first time offenders or first time users that have experienced a legal or social issue related to drinking or using but have no other history or need for a higher level of care. The cost of this program is $135 for the entire 5 week program.

Individual Counseling - Clients who have individual counseling recommended will be assigned an individual counselor based on personal preferences, referral sources, client’s presenting problems and counselor expertise. First Step staff continues to grow in numbers and expertise with the goal of being able to provide a highly professional and qualified set of assessment and treatment services as well as ongoing individual and group counseling services. Individual sessions will be scheduled promptly within seven (7) days of your request and usually sooner than that. Emergency individual counseling sessions are also available if needed.

Family Care Group - This program meets in a group setting on Monday evenings from 6:00pm-7:30pm once weekly. This program focuses on the family members of the individual struggling with an addiction and how to effectively help and cope with those issues on a daily basis. This program addresses how to identify and seek help for yourself and your loved ones as well as confronting family roles, enabling, healthy boundaries, and codependency. Al-Anon attendance is also encouraged as part of this family support program. Individual family sessions are available upon request.