1. Social Support Groups Matrix Intensive Outpatient Program

2. Social Support Groups
Assist patients in establishing new non-drug related friends and activities
Provides ongoing support
Less structured and topic focused
Content is based on the needs of the members attending

3. Social Support (continuing care)
Starts on the 4th month, once a week, 36 sessions
Overlaps with primary treatment, primarily discussion sessions
Re-socialize with clients who are older in the program
Strengthens experienced participants recovery by serving as role models
90 minutes long groups of 10 people

4. Goals
Provide a safe discussion group where clients practice resocialization skills.
Provide opportunities for clients who are advanced in treatment and recovery to serve as role models for clients who have been in recovery for less time.
Encourage clients to broaden their support system of abstinent, recovering contacts with whom they can attend 12-Step or mutual-help meetings.
Provide a less structured and more independent group environment that helps clients progress from treatment in the more structured environments of Early Recovery Skills and Relapse Prevention groups to recovery maintained with group support but without clinical support.

5. Topics In Support Groups
Aging
Happiness
Selfishness
Anger
Honesty
Sex
Codependence
Intimacy
Smart
Commitment
Isolation
Spirituality
Compulsions
Justifications
Thought stopping
Control
Masks
Triggers
Cravings
Overwhelmed
Trust
Depression
Patience
Work
Emotions
Physical
Fear
Recovery
Friendship
Rejection
Fun
Relaxation
Grief
Rules
Guilt
Scheduling

6. Other relevant topics may be chosen
Not necessarily follow a particular sequence
Client facilitators – emotionally stable, intellectually competent, recovery strength, commit to attending 6 months of sessions, meets with facilitator prior to session

7. Discussion Guidelines
Listen to clients, help them clarify what they are saying, but do not speak for them or provide answers.
Encourage group members to accept and
support one another.
Focus on the members; do not assume a position of authority or monopolize the discussion.
Permit clients to depart briefly from the session’s topic if the discussion seems beneficial to all clients in the group.

8. Discussion Guidelines
Steer participants away from lengthy stories of using that might act as triggers for others.
Make sure that the group is not dominated by one or two members and that everyone in the group gets time to speak.
Avoid making generalizations.
Avoid asking “why” questions of members
(e.g., questioning their actions or motivations)

9. AA/NA Meetings One night per week done on premises Standard AA
Patients are encouraged to participate
Part of the recovery plan