The Basics
Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services began in a nursing home as the Wilkes-Barre Center on Alcohol Abuse in 1973, and it’s been through many name and location changes since then. The one constant has been its mission to provide drug and alcohol prevention, education and treatment to all of Northeast Pennsylvania. By providing outpatient care founded in the 12 steps, the facility has become a trusted resource to both adults and adolescents in Luzerne County.
Treatment and Staff
Wyoming Valley offers two levels of counseling, namely an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) program called Stepping Stones and a less intensive outpatient track. Both programs emphasize the importance of fellowship and peer support, and aim to strengthen recovery-positive character traits like acceptance, faith and surrender. There’s also an educational component to their program wherein clients learn about addiction, anger management and how to stop self-defeating behaviors.
Stepping Stones’ clients meet for group therapy three times a week, four hours at a time for six weeks. Morning, afternoon and evening sessions are available at clients’ convenience; individual counseling is available as well, but only when necessary (as determined by a client’s primary counselor).
While Stepping Stones is geared for adults 18 and over, Wyoming Valley also offers a five-week IOP for adolescents. The program tackles issues relevant to teens including self-esteem building, dealing with peer pressure and understanding the benefits of self-help groups like AA and NA. Both tracks require clients to attend regular 12-step meetings, get sponsors and work the steps. Stepping Stones also hosts a two-hour Family Program every Wednesday evening. Families are encouraged to attend Alanon meetings, and have the option of scheduling their own private sessions with a counselor.
Aside from their intensive options, adults and adolescents can also choose outpatient programs where individual and group therapy sessions vary depending on each client’s needs. In these programs, emphasis is placed on relapse prevention, goal setting, problem prioritization and self-esteem building. Outpatient services can last as long as six months, making them a good step-down option from an IOP.
There are a total of 34 people on staff, 15 of whom are drug and alcohol treatment specialists (though notably no on-site medical staff) while the rest are prevention specialists and administrators. At least 10 of Wyoming Valley’s employees have received the “Superior Service Award” granted by the Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Drug and Alcohol Program Executive Commission.
In addition to the above, Wyoming Valley provides a perinatal program for pregnant women with addiction issues, a program designed specifically for military veterans and a special program for prescription drug abuse (for youth and adults). The last of these programs is in continuous development with the help of a consulting medical director, in response to an epidemic of prescription drug abuse in the area.
Because Wyoming Valley does not offer on-site detox, clients need to already be sober in order to participate. Their admission criteria also specify that potential clients be free of any major psychiatric conditions, as their programs do not offer dual diagnosis support.
Extras
Aside from their treatment programs, Wyoming Valley offers prevention and addiction education in 11 school districts. Their specialists facilitate small groups, general assemblies, panel Q&A sessions and role-playing exercises all aimed at preventing addiction.
In Summary
While Wyoming Valley’s services are a good fit for addicts seeking a community-based approach to recovery, they do not serve the growing population of dual diagnosis clientele. Still, Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services offers reliable 12-step based substance abuse services overall, with a variety of specialized programs.
Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services
437 North Main St
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705
Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services Cost: $1,800 (42 days). Reach Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services by phone at (570) 820-8888 or by email. Find Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services on Facebook and Twitter
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