Table 1 Overview of the day treatment model for women with alcohol use disorder

Model

Therapeutic community

Modality

Intensive day treatment

Goal

Recovery from alcohol use disorder

Duration

6 months (3 days/week)

Staff

Program director (registered nurse), associate director (registered nurse), counselor (licensed clinical social worker), and 2 ex-addict role models (graduates from a residential TC program)

Methods

Morning/evening meeting, house meeting, education groups, encounter groups, and peer seminars

Gender-specific groups

Parenting education, vocational training

Sanctions

There are two cardinal rules which, if violated, would lead to expulsion from the program:

 No alcohol use (alcohol breath testing is required prior to commencing a daily regimen. The very first violation will lead to expulsion from the program.)

 No absence from the program (two or more unexcused absences at each phase will lead to expulsion from the program.)

Other disciplinary sanctions determined by the community may be imposed in response to breaches of the community standards.

Stages

Phase I (first 1 month): orientation and induction

Phase II (months 1–3): primary treatment

Phase III (months 3–5): transition phase

Phase IV (months 5–6): re-entry phase