The goal of Early Intervention Program at DUI-Metropolitan Services is to reduce the risk of harm and decrease problem behaviors that result from continued use of substances. The intent of this program is to take action that decreases risk factors related to substance use, abuse or dependency; enhance protective factors; and provide ongoing services, as appropriate.
The goal of prevention is to foster a climate in which:Alcohol use is acceptable only for those of legal age and only when the risk of adverse consequences is minimal, and tobacco and illegal drugs are not used at all.Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are used only for the purposes for which they are intended.Substances such as gasoline or aerosols are used only for their intended purposes.Pregnant and women who may become pregnant do not use alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.
Early Intervention Program will include a minimum of 12 hours of group sessions provided over a minimum of four weeks with no more than three hours per day in any seven consecutive days, subsequent completion of any and all necessary treatment, and, after discharge, active on going participation in all activities specified in the continuing care plan, if so recommended, following completion of early intervention.
Early Intervention is defined as: "An organized service, delivered in a wide variety of settings, for individuals who, for a known reason, are at risk of developing substance-related problems. Early intervention services are considered sub-clinical or pre-treatment and are designed to explore and address problems or risk factors that appear to be related to substance use and to assist the individual in recognizing the harmful consequences of inappropriate substance use. The length of such service varies according to the individual's ability to comprehend the information provided and to use that information to make behavior changes to avoid problems related to substance use or the appearance of new problems that require treatment at another level of care. Early intervention services are for individuals whose problems and risk factors appear to be related to substance use but do not appear to meet any diagnostic criteria for substance related disorders. Examples of individuals who might receive early intervention are at-risk individuals (i.e., family members of an individual who is in treatment or in need of treatment) or DUI offenders classified at a moderate risk level".
Source: Illinois Department of Human Services
Through our early intervention programming we hope to:
1. Increase community awareness and utilization of available substance abuse prevention, and treatment resources;
2. Increase the number, frequency and scope of healthy alternative activities available to individuals and families by motivating and empowering key individuals and groups to take action in this area;
3. Reduce the length of time between onset of high risk behaviors and referral to appropriate, effective intervention activities;
4. Increase the quantity, quality and scope of alcohol and other drug abuse prevention activities in our community by motivating and empowering key individuals and groups; and
5. Increase community resistance to substance abuse and related problem behaviors, including – but not limited to – individual substance abuse and DUIs.
If you have any alcohol to drink, know that your reaction time is slowed and that you are putting yourself and others at risk if you then get behind the wheel of a car. If you have any doubt about your capacity to drive, a taxi assures you of reaching your destination safely.
