If you believe that you or someone you love may have a drug or alcohol problem, Far West Family Services is a great place to start for education, support, and an initial evaluation. All of our counselors have drug and alcohol training and we also have staff members with dual mental health and chemical dependency certifications. The services are provided at three basic levels called the ACT Program, which stands for Alcohol/Chemical Dependency Tools.

ACT ONE is for individuals who have not been diagnosed with alcoholism or addiction, but beginning to explore the idea that they may have a problem. At this stage, the counselors can help people recognize the early signs of a potential problem by providing information focusing on chemical dependency, education, family dynamics, coping alternatives, effective decision making, risk-taking behavior, and personal values clarification. This type of intervention can help people get back on course before their problem becomes more serious or life gets out of control. Some people at this stage of treatment recognize that their problem is worse than what they had perceived and choose to enter more intensive chemical dependency services. Far West counselors will assist the individual with identifying and arranging appropriate additional types of treatment, such as support groups or a formal drug and alcohol assessment at a treatment agency.

ACT TWO is for people dealing with the impact alcoholism or addiction has on their family. This includes spouses or partners of alcoholics/addicts, children of alcoholics/addicts, parents of alcoholics/addicts, and adult children of alcoholics/addicts. It may also include close friends of the alcoholic/addict who have been impacted and hurt by their friend’s behavior. The counselor focuses on improving the life of the family members, even if the alcoholic/addict is still actively using and is unwilling to seek help. The counselor will provide education and tools regarding, family dynamics, understanding the impact alcoholism and chemical dependency on the who family, co-dependency, boundary setting, self-care, self-esteem, communication and assertiveness training, use of support groups and support networks, and possible formal intervention to get the using individual into appropriate treatment.

ACT THREE is geared for individuals for whom alcohol and/or drugs have become a serious problem in their life. The Far West counselor will perform a working assessment regarding the full scope of difficulties the individual is experiencing. By this point there may be financial difficulties, problems at work or job loss, separation or divorce, and other issues complicating the path to recovery. The Far West counselor will provide appropriate referrals and facilitate the process of getting a formal alcohol and drug assessment to determine the appropriate course of treatment. The counselors will use their knowledge of the individual’s insurance and financial situation in connecting them with appropriate affordable care. Additionally, referrals for financial assistance, legal assistance, housing and other resources can be provided from Far West’s Computerized Resource Bank. The Far West therapist will continue to support the individual and eligible family members throughout the treatment and recovery process, to address relapse prevention and other mental health issues.