What is the first step toward recovery?

• If you suspect someone maybe addicted to meth, talk to him or her.
• Discuss with them how their drug abuse is affecting the people l close to them.
• If they are willing, the fist step would be to get a professional assessment.

What is an Assessment?

An assessment is the professional evaluation of the individual using drugs or alcohol. The level of addiction will likely be evaluated using an ASO (Addiction Severity Index). The individual being evaluated will also be asked questions to identify the reasons for the using drugs and the impact drug use has had on his or her relationships, career, and life in general. The assessment is the first step toward identifying appropriate treatment. There are numerous treatment providers offering assessments in San Juan County.

What comes after the Assessment?

The assessment is followed by a referral for treatment. Treatment approaches may include programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Residential Treatment may be as short as 28 days or as longs as 6 months to a year, or longer. Intensive Out-Patient therapy is defined as a minimum of 9 hours per week of group or individual therapy. Out-Patient therapy can be an hour or more of individual or group therapy weekly or bi-weekly (depending on the situation).