A Commitment to Recovery through Drug Addiction Treatment

Addiction treatment for substance abuse at 1st Step Behavioral Health reflects the dynamic and informed approach of a team highly committed to the recovery of its clients. 1st Step is the vision of Gus Crocco, L.C.S.W.; whose 30+ years of experience in the field of Addictions and Co-Occurring disorders have given him an insight into what really works in recovery. Over the last 10 years, his vision has been realized and cultivated through our comprehensive treatment for drug addiction and alcoholism.

The supportive and caring staff at 1st Step all understand how the disease of addiction and/or co-occurring disorders are both progressive and treatable. Clients at 1st Step’s alcohol and drug rehab will find everyone here is dedicated to helping them achieve their goals in recovery.

Getting Help and Treatment for Drug Addiction

1st Step Behavioral Health’s drug addiction treatment is committed to helping the individual, not just treating the addiction. Each person has their own story, their own unique history, and experience with how and why addiction and mental health concerns became a problem. While various factors may play a common role in how addictive patterns affect behavior, it’s not realistic to expect there will be a singular method of treatment that will work for everyone.

At our alcohol and drug treatment center, programs and methods are customizable to suit the individual. Group, individual and family therapy and involvement will be a part of the care offered at 1st Step. However, none of our clients will be treated as a number in a group, and each will be given independent and thorough consults, assessments and feedback. What you can expect from 1st Step Behavioral Health is a highly personalized level of care which makes the distinction of having a significant and lasting impact on our client’s recovery.

The Therapy Involved in Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment

Gus Crocco, the owner and founder of 1st Step Behavioral Health’s drug treatment program, has extensive training in Jungian Psychology, rational emotive, behavioral modification and Gestalt therapies. He is well versed in experiential therapy, PTSD therapy, and drama therapy, performing family sculpting and role reintegration with recovering families. Family therapy is not a separate weekend at 1st Step but integrated into the process groups and the day to day experience of working through addiction toward recovery.

The therapies offered through 1st Step’s drug treatment programs work with an Ego-Modifying technique of behavioral therapy. The distinction with ego-modifying therapy is incorporating the emotional and intuitive element of experience into the equation of neuroscience and cognitive restructuring. Addiction can be deeply rooted in underlying issues, and changing thinking alone doesn’t necessarily change behavior; emotion has to be a part of the process for long-lasting results. Our philosophy demonstrates that recovery can be cultivated when an individual is given the excellent standard of care and treatment the 1st Step has to offer, as well as an opportunity to experience and explore changes in thinking and emotion.

An Overview of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Therapies

Before we dive into the discussion of alcohol and drug addiction recovery therapies, it is extremely important to understand how substance disorder affects a patient’s life.  

There is no denying that addiction to drugs or alcohol is one of the chronic diseases that lead to compulsive addicted behavior in patients. Most patients are not aware of its harmful repercussions. Over time, the use of illicit substances or excessive drug intake leads to several long-lasting changes. They are not only physical, but also psychological, and drive a person further toward addiction.

At 1st Step Behavioral Health, we understand that patients with substance abuse disorder have a tendency to relapse. To put it simply, the risk of resorting to drugs and alcohol is always high, no matter how hard a patient tries to abstain. According to an estimate by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 22 million young children (12 years old) require substance abuse treatment.

That is why Dr. Gus Crocco chooses effective drug abuse therapies that do not only detoxify addicts in a safe setting, but also assist and monitor them through the different stages of therapy in the recovery process. 

When a drug addict is admitted to the 1st Step Behavioral Health, a treatment plan is devised according to their condition and needs. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) considers it an essential part of the therapy or treatment as every individual is unique and not all treatments can work the same way for every person.

Considering this, at 1st Step Behavioral Health we focus on the following aspects before starting therapy. 

  • Drug abuse history of an addict
  • Mental and physical health
  • Personality traits
  • The severity of drug abuse

What is Gestalt Therapies for Addiction Treatment? 

The therapy is entirely client-centered and it is a special approach to psychotherapy. Apart from offering an excellent standard of treatment and care, it is our focus on Gestalt therapies that distinguishes our healing approach from others.   

The powerful therapy helps addicts focus on their life’s current scenarios rather than perceiving life on the basis of past experiences. Through different techniques, addicts learn about their negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to blocking self- awareness. Gestalt therapy is very effective for drug addicts with low self-esteem, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD), depression, relationship difficulties, and anxiety.

In addition to that, these therapies are helpful in getting physical relief from conditions, like ulcerative colitis, back spasms, headache, and migraine. 

At 1st Step Behavioral Health, our aim is to make substance addicts understand how they can contribute to their own discomfort and unhappiness. Our therapists integrate Gestalt techniques such as a combination of drama therapies, bodywork, dance, and family therapy. All these therapies aim to alleviate unresolved pain, resentment, pain and anxiety and various negative emotions that are difficult to control during drug addiction treatment.

Thus, by focusing on psychological and physical symptoms, therapists at 1st Step Behavioral Health try their best to provide a long-term addiction recovery solution. 

Get the Help You Deserve Today!

Give our team of experienced professionals a call or text at (855) 425-4846 or contact us.

Reviewed for Medical & Clinical Accuracy by Brittany Polansky, MSW, LCSW

Brittany has been working in behavioral health since 2012 and is the Assistant Clinical Director at our facility. She is an LCSW and holds a master’s degree in social work. She has great experience with chemical dependency and co-occurring mental health diagnoses as well as various therapeutic techniques. Brittany is passionate about treating all clients with dignity and respect, and providing a safe environment where clients can begin their healing journey in recovery.