Adults Substance Use Disorder
Treatment in Pennsylvania
Substance abuse treatment for adults requires specialized care that addresses the unique challenges adults face in recovery. In 2023, millions of adults reported needing but not receiving treatment for a substance use disorder, highlighting the critical need for accessible programs. The ETHOS Treatment program is designed for adults struggling with alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, and other substance use disorders who need structured support while maintaining their daily responsibilities.
If withdrawal risk is present, a clinical assessment helps determine if medical detox, the process of safely managing withdrawal symptoms under professional supervision, is needed before beginning intensive outpatient care. ETHOS Treatment is committed to the long-term recovery of adults struggling with substance use disorder. That means a transition back to their normal routine of family, friends, work, and leisure, while utilizing skills from an effective relapse prevention plan to steer clear of substances that have negatively impacted their lives.
Adult Intensive Outpatient
Program (IOP) for Ages 30+
In the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for adults age 30+, a small group of peers guided by an experienced clinician works on recovery together. Participants who truly understand the many pressures and demands of adult life support one another and hold each other accountable.
Individuals learn how to identify their triggers so that they can cope with the inevitable challenges during early recovery. Common relapse drivers include withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption, which is why the integrated approach addresses both substance use and underlying behavioral health concerns. That is only the first in a series of therapeutic interventions that prepare clients to overcome the barriers they will face on the path to long-term recovery.
The multifaceted ETHOS approach to substance use disorder treatment is highly individualized and relapse-resistant. The clinician and adult peers provide the consistent support individuals need to find their authentic selves, free from substance use disorder.
What Our Adult Substance
Abuse Treatment Program Includes
- Comprehensive Evaluation: A thorough assessment to create a personalized treatment plan.
- Individual, Family, and Group Therapy: Sessions designed to address personal challenges, repair relationships, and build peer support.
- Emotional Skills Building: Techniques to manage emotions and stress without substances.
- Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Alternative strategies for dealing with life’s challenges.
- Relapse Prevention: Strategies and skills to maintain long-term recovery.
- Trauma-Informed Care: Treatment that recognizes and addresses the impact of trauma.
- Licensed, Experienced Therapists: Qualified professionals dedicated to client success.
Medical detox is the process of safely managing withdrawal symptoms under professional supervision. While IOP is not a detox program, the clinical team assesses withdrawal risk during evaluation and coordinates appropriate care when needed.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can include tremors, sweating, nausea, anxiety, and in severe cases, confusion, hallucinations, or seizures. Severe symptoms require emergency medical evaluation.
The program incorporates dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to support long-term recovery. DBT therapy teaches practical skills, including:
- Distress tolerance for managing cravings and urges
- Emotion regulation to prevent emotional overwhelm
- Mindfulness techniques for staying present
- Interpersonal effectiveness for healthy relationships
When clinically appropriate, coordination occurs with prescribing providers for medication-assisted treatment options. Suboxone is a medication used for opioid use disorder that combines buprenorphine and naloxone to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Vivitrol is an extended-release naltrexone injection that may be used for alcohol or opioid use disorder in some cases, requiring complete opioid withdrawal before initiation. All medication decisions require individualized medical evaluation, and counseling remains central to substance abuse treatment for adults.
Many adults in recovery also struggle with anxiety management, depression, or other mental health conditions. The integrated behavioral health approach includes mental health treatment for adults, such as:
- Screening for co-occurring anxiety, depression, and trauma
- Anxiety management techniques, including breathing exercises and grounding skills
- Depression treatment planning and safety assessment
- Coordination with psychiatric providers when medication is part of treatment
Recovery extends beyond formal treatment. Continuing care planning includes:
- Step-down planning to outpatient therapy
- Connection to community support groups (AA, SMART Recovery)
- Family support and education
- Sober living or halfway house evaluation when additional structure is needed
- Recovery routine development and relapse prevention strategies
Program
Format Options
Flexible program formats accommodate the demanding schedules of working adults while providing the structure needed for sustainable recovery:
- Daytime Adult IOP in Hybrid Format: This program can be attended in-person or remotely via telehealth IOP in Pennsylvania, and participants may switch formats at any time for maximum flexibility and convenience.
- Evening Adult IOP via Hybrid Format: This program can be attended in-person or remotely via telehealth, and participants may switch formats at any time for maximum flexibility and convenience.
- Daytime Gender-Specific Groups: Men and women experience substance use disorder differently. Gender-specific treatment is sensitive to these differences. By offering separate groups for men and women, ETHOS provides a safe space to talk about relationship issues, relational repair work, and family dynamics. Currently, these groups are offered at the West Chester adult IOP location.
What Does a Typical Week in Adult IOP Look Like?
A typical week in adult IOP includes structured activities designed to support recovery:
- 3-5 group therapy sessions per week (90 minutes each)
- 1 individual therapy session weekly
- Family therapy sessions as needed
- Skills practice and homework assignments
- Psychiatric consultation coordination when appropriate
- Recovery planning and goal setting
- Peer support and accountability check-ins
How to Begin Adult
Substance Abuse Treatment
If you’re considering substance abuse treatment for adults or need guidance on the right level of care, speak with an admissions specialist to discuss your options. The team understands the challenges adults face in recovery and provides compassionate support throughout the treatment process.
Real experiences, real outcomes; this is what clients and families often notice in the adult program. For more information about telehealth options or to find the right fit for your needs, contact the team today. ETHOS Treatment remains committed to supporting both adults and adolescents in their journey toward lasting recovery from substance use disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Detox is considered when withdrawal may be medically risky, such as with alcohol or benzodiazepines. A clinical assessment helps determine whether detox, inpatient care, or IOP is the safest starting point.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can become dangerous when they include confusion, hallucinations, or seizures. Severe symptoms require urgent medical evaluation.
DBT therapy (dialectical behavior therapy) supports recovery by teaching distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal skills. These skills can help when cravings and stress rise in early recovery.
Programs often assess anxiety and depression alongside substance use and treat both in an integrated plan. Therapy and coordinated medical care can reduce the pattern of using substances to manage symptoms.
An intervention is a planned conversation that helps someone consider treatment and reduces denial and conflict. Many families use a trained professional to keep the process supportive and structured.
A halfway house, also called sober living in some settings, provides structure and accountability after treatment. It can support recovery when a home environment increases relapse risk.
MD, Alex Moxam is a graduate of Sidney Kimmel Medical College and completed his adult psychiatry residency at the University of Pennsylvania. Subsequently, he pursued a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania.
Using a holistic approach and emphasizing shared decision-making, Dr. Moxam engages with clients to initiate and optimize medication regimens. His goal is to decrease problematic symptoms and enhance the overall quality of life for those under his care. Dr. Moxam’s expertise spans both adult and child psychiatry, reflecting his commitment to providing personalized and effective care.
