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Chemical Dependency Evaluations & Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Call or walk-in today to start your recovery journey at 701-451-4900.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, First Step Recovery in Fargo, ND, is here to help. We provide confidential, outpatient substance use disorder treatment designed to support lasting recovery. Our compassionate, licensed addiction counselors work with adults from all walks of life, including veterans, professionals, students, and those referred by employers or the court system.
Now Offering Walk-In Drug and Alcohol Assessments in Fargo
We're now offering walk-in chemical dependency evaluations for adults seeking help with substance use. No appointment needed.
Walk-In Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Located at 2701 12th Ave. S., Fargo, ND. Call 701-451-4900 or walk-in today to take the first step toward recovery.
About First Step Recovery
First Step Recovery is a nonprofit organization with a longstanding commitment to helping individuals and their families heal from the effects of addiction. We provide compassionate, evidence-based care to support lasting recovery.
At First Step Recovery, we believe individuals with a substance use disorder can manage this disease and regain control of their life. Long-term recovery is possible, and our Licensed Addiction Counselors and medical staff are here to walk alongside you and your family every step of the way.
You can begin a new, healthier life for you and your family. Take the First Step today.
Addiction Treatment Services
Whether you're looking for early intervention or ongoing support, we offer a full range of evidence-based outpatient addiction programs:
Chemical Dependency Evaluation - 2 hours
If substance use is interfering with life, a comprehensive drug or alcohol evaluation may be beneficial. Clients can refer themselves for an addiction test, or they may be referred by family members, social services, probation officers, the court, or their employers. We help with DUI evaluations, court-ordered evaluations, and any other type of drug assessment or alcohol evaluation. We don’t judge how our clients come through our doors; we're here to help you take the First Step.
You can schedule evaluations by calling 701-451-4900, filling out a form, or visiting without an appointment during our walk-in hours, which are Monday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.
First Step does not offer online chemical dependency evaluations. We believe it is more beneficial to meet with clients in person for drug and alcohol assessments to gather better information on their substance use.
READ MORE: What Happens During a Substance Use Evaluation?
Partial Hospital Program - 20 hours/week
This program is designed for clients who require a more intensive, structured addiction treatment experience but do not require 24-hour medically supervised inpatient care. Clients attend programming from 9 am to 1 pm Monday through Friday. The schedule includes group and individual therapy, family therapy, and educational lectures and videos. (ASAM 2.5 Level of Care)
Intensive Outpatient Program - 9 hours/week
Our intensive outpatient program is designed for clients who have alcohol or other drug problems that significantly affect their lives. The program includes group and individual therapy, family therapy, and educational lectures and videos. The length of the program varies and is based on each client's treatment goals and progress. Day and evening groups are available in-person. (ASAM 2.1 Level of Care)
Day groups are available virtually to those who do not live in the Fargo area or physically cannot get to the Fargo location. Call 701-451-4900 to learn more.
Low-Intensity Outpatient Treatment - 3-5 hours/week
Our LIOP program is designed for clients who need education and continued assessment regarding their substance use. The program includes individual therapy, educational lectures, and videos on a weekly basis. The length of the program varies and is based on each client's treatment goals and progress. (ASAM 1.0 Level of Care)
Relapse Prevention Group - 2 hours/week
This continuing care group is for clients who have completed a primary treatment program at First Step or another facility. Clients attend a two-hour group session once a week that focuses on abstinence and the skills needed for continued recovery. (ASAM 1.0 Level of Care)
Family Program - 3 hours/week
We encourage family members to participate in their loved one’s treatment. Adult family members of those in treatment at First Step attend group sessions to learn more about substance use and its impact on the family. We also provide opportunities for family members to participate in the client's group.
DUI Seminar / Substance Use Education - 16 hours, offered monthly
First Step Recovery provides DUI seminars following the 16-hour Prime for Life curriculum. This seminar can also be attended for substance use education or THC education. Proof of course completion, which can be submitted to the courts or DOT, is provided at the conclusion of the course. The curriculum is taught over two 8-hour days; visit our Events page to see upcoming seminar dates. The seminar cost is $250. To register, call 701-451-4900. (ASAM 0.5 Level of Care)
Why Choose First Step Recovery?
As a nonprofit, we’re committed to making high-quality addiction recovery services accessible and affordable for all. We strive to help meet clients where they are to ensure a happy and successful alcohol and drug recovery.
- Licensed Addiction Counselors
- Approved ND SUD Voucher Provider
- TriCare/TriWest Accepted for PHP & IOP
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Preferred Provider
- Veteran-friendly & trauma-informed care
- Financial assistance may be available
Support for Referring Professionals
Are you a doctor, employer, social worker, or court representative? We welcome professional referrals.
Call 701-451-4900 or visit our Referrals page to learn more about partnering with First Step Recovery.
Our Staff
First Step's staff offer a caring heart, professional qualifications, and years of experience to each and every client who walks through our doors. In addition to our team of Licensed Addiction Counselors, we work closely with The Village's mental health professionals and our on-staff registered nurse helps with referrals related to physical and psychiatric disorders. We also help family members and significant others deal with issues related to loving someone who struggles with chemical dependency or drug or alcohol use.
Family Program
At First Step Recovery, we recognize addiction as a family disease. We provide a weekly educational/process group for individuals with a loved one in our program. Adult family members and significant others are strongly encouraged to attend during the months their loved one is in treatment.
READ MORE: How a Mother and Son Found Healing
The Family Group meets on Thursday from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. We believe family involvement is essential in the recovery process.
Common topics covered in the family recovery group are:
- Education on chemical dependency, substance use disorders, and the disease model
- Enabling and boundaries
- Guilt and shame
- Importance of self-care
The following are recommended goals for families to develop as part of their own personal recovery plan:
- Learn about chemical dependency and the disease concept.
- Learn to identify and discontinue enabling behaviors.
- Establish healthy boundaries.
- Commit to productive forms of conflict resolution.
- Practice healthy detachment.
- Reach out for support from Al-Anon, Codependents Anonymous, your friends, family, church, and/or personal counseling.
- Remember … One Day at a Time.
Resources for Families
- North Dakota Al-Anon | ndalanon.com
- Al-Anon | 888-425-2666 | al-anon.org
- Families Anonymous | 800-736-9805 | familiesanonymous.org
READ MORE: The Impact of Addiction on Families
