Long-Term Treatment Program

The Long-Term Program at FIRST at Blue Ridge is designed for individuals with chronic Substance Use Disorders (SUD) who are committed to achieving lasting recovery. This comprehensive, year-long program offers structured support through multiple phases, each aimed at building the skills, discipline, and resilience needed for life beyond treatment.

Building Blocks of Recovery

Phase 1

Phase 1 of the program is a time of acclimation, where new residents immerse themselves in the therapeutic community. During this phase, participants attend daily clinical groups and self-help meetings, including options such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA). Residents are also assigned household responsibilities that instill a sense of accountability and community. Based on individual skills, some residents may begin working with one of FIRST’s internal teams or be assigned to a local Vocational Training Partner, allowing them to start developing essential job skills in a supportive environment.

Phase 2

Phase 2 focuses on deeper engagement in the recovery process. Residents take on job assignments, continue attending self-help meetings, and participate in evening clinical groups. The group curriculum covers critical topics such as 12-Step Study, Relationships in Recovery, Anger Management, and Relapse Prevention. This phase encourages residents to build healthy, productive habits, laying the groundwork for a successful transition to independent living. FIRST staff monitor each resident’s progress, assessing their commitment and capacity to apply program principles in real-world scenarios. Some residents may rotate through different training sites, gaining exposure to various skills and work environments.

Phase 3

This phase begins when clients hit the 6-month mark of the long-term program and are referred to as “seniors”. At this point they will become more hands-on with activities and groups and be expected to demonstrate a working knowledge of the program to share with their peers.

Phase 4

“The next step” This is the phase where clients become graduates and will be able to have more freedoms and an opportunity to move into Transitional Housing* owned and operated by FIRST at Blue Ridge. As a graduate, they are expected to maintain meetings and ongoing recovery.

In addition to FIRST owned options, graduates also have the ability to seek off-campus living situations through collaborators with whom FIRST has established strong ties. These partnerships provide graduates with access to safe, supportive housing environments that align with their recovery goals, ensuring they can transition into greater independence while staying connected to the resources they need.

What to Expect

GED Attainment Support

For clients who have not yet completed high school or obtained their GED, FIRST offers dedicated support to help them achieve this important educational milestone. Through a partnership with ABTech, clients benefit from access to tutors and class time provided at no cost by ABTech. This ensures residents receive personalized GED preparation courses and tutoring sessions designed to help them succeed in the GED exams. This service is a crucial component of the long-term program, as completing high school or earning a GED significantly enhances employ-ability, self-confidence, and opportunities for future growth. FIRST staff and tutors, in collaboration with ABTech, work closely with clients to prepare them for testing, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to earn their GED.

Graduation

Graduation from the long-term program requires completion of the 12-month curriculum, all assigned tasks, and any clinical activities outlined by the program’s staff. Graduates also demonstrate a strong working knowledge of 12-Step principles, with many actively participating in 12-Step groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), or Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA). Additionally, clients are expected to maintain continuous employment or enrollment in college or trade school, reinforcing the program’s commitment to personal responsibility and growth.

Graduates are recognized for their hard work and achievements through a formal graduation ceremony. During this event, they receive both a class certificate and a graduation certificate to commemorate their accomplishment. As a lasting symbol of their dedication and success, graduates are also presented with a custom graduation class ring, representing the transformative journey they have completed.

Transitional Housing*

Upon successful completion of the 12-month program, residents may apply to move into transitional housing, where they can continue their recovery journey in a familiar, supportive setting. Transitional housing allows clients to save money, build resources, and gain further stability in their recovery. Residents also have access to FIRST transportation services, making it easier to attend work, appointments, and meetings, as well as access to meals prepared in our dining hall. This ensures their basic needs are met while they focus on achieving their personal and professional goals. Residents can remain in this housing for up to an additional year, ensuring they are fully prepared for independent living.

Our long-term program is open to those committed to making meaningful, lasting changes in their lives. Referrals come from various sources, including family members, friends, former graduates, treatment programs, and the judicial system. Although our clients come from all walks of life, they share a common goal: to break free from addiction and rebuild their lives. This journey to recovery begins with the FIRST step, and we are here to help every step of the way.

*Eligibility for transitional housing is determined by FIRST staff, ensuring each resident is ready to make the next step in their journey to recovery.

Contact Us:

32 Knox Rd. Ridgecrest, NC 28770

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