Phoenix House > Get Help > Steps To Treatment

If you or someone you know needs treatment for an alcohol or drug problem, the following tips can help you get started. If your loved one will not accept treatment, you might also consider conducting a formal intervention. An intervention is when family members or friends confront a loved one about his or her substance abuse, express their concern, and offer suggestions about how and where to get help. To read more, click here.

Note: If this is an emergency situation, call 911 immediately.

1. Research Treatment Programs
Phoenix House operates residential and outpatient treatment programs in nine states. To find out if we have a program near you, click here. You can also try the following:
  • Look in your local phone book under "drug," "substance abuse" or "alcoholism."
  • Call your local health department or other social service provider.
  • Ask your family physician or local hospital for a referral.
  • For teens, consider talking to the school counselor.
  • Local police departments can often provide referral information.
  • The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) operates a free national online Treatment Facility Locator. Visit: www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov
  • You can also call SAMHSA for a free referral: 1-800-662-HELP.

2. Get a Professional Assessment
In order to determine the type of treatment required, you will need to visit a substance abuse treatment professional — a counselor, social worker, admissions coordinator, therapist, or interventionist. If you are planning on entering a particular program, or working with a particular treatment provider, they will ask you to come in for an initial assessment. Some will even do the assessment over the phone.

During the assessment, you will be asked a series of questions to establish a detailed history of drug use, criminal involvement, family history, school or work experience, and so on. It is important to answer honestly. Any information you give should be confidential — if you're not sure that is the case, just ask. After gathering this information, the treatment provider or counselor will recommend a suitable program.

3. Get Started
Once you are accepted into a treatment program, the staff will work with you to create a "treatment plan" — designed to help you stay clean and sober.

4. Get Support
If you are helping a friend or loved one enroll in treatment, make sure you also get the help you need -- from family, friends, a counselor, or local support groups. To find out about local support groups for family and friends of alcohol and drug users — both active and in recovery — try the resources listed above.


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