When Substance Use first becomes a concern, families are often unsure what to do next and where to turn
FirstLight is a five-session intensive designed to bring clarity and direction at this critical early stage. Combining assessment, education, and motivational counseling, the program helps teens and young adults build awareness and momentum for positive change-before the problem deepens.
First Session
Provides psychoeducation to the individual and their parents regarding the distinction between normative substance use and problematic use patterns. The session aims to facilitate a shared understanding of Substance Use Disorder as a medical condition, including its etiology, diagnostic features, and strategies for recognizing and addressing denial within the family system
Second Session
The individual engages in a comprehensive assessment of their relationship with substances, including an exploration of use history, frequency, context, and contributing factors. Through this process, the individual identifies behavioral and psychological patterns consistent with symptoms of a Substance Use Disorder.
Third Session
The individual engages in a structured exploration of the risks and perceived benefits associated with ongoing substance use, identifying the physical, psychological, and social consequences of their current use patterns. This assessment encompasses key domains of functioning, including interpersonal relationships, mental and physical health, academic or occupational performance, and overall daily functioning.
Fourth Session
The individual engages in a motivational exploration focused on identifying discrepancies between their current functioning and desired goals. Internal and external factors that facilitate or impede motivation for change are examined to enhance insight and support movement toward recovery-oriented behaviors
Fifth Session
The individual and their parents participate in a review of the therapeutic work completed in Sessions 2–4. The individual articulates their current level of motivation and readiness for continued change, while the clinician facilitates a collaborative discussion to determine clinically appropriate next steps to support sustained healing and progress.
Come Away With A Clear Path Forward
At the end of the intensive, individuals and families are given a comprehensive road map on what is clinically appropriate for next steps to effectively address the substance use and mental health challenges that leads to desired and successful outcomes
FirstLight was created and developed by Jim Savage, LCDC, CADC
Offered in Special Collaboration with Searchlight Therapy