Services / Substance Use Group
ADULTS 18+ • ONCE-WEEKLY SUPPORT
Substance Use Group
A weekly space to talk about substance use, connect with others, and practice skills that support your own goals for change.
In person in Lewiston. Telehealth is available to clients in Lewiston and Wilton.
Apply yourself or through a referral. Group participation depends on an assessment of whether the group is appropriate for your needs.
Group at a glance
WHEN
Thursdays, 12–2 pm · Maine local time
HOW OFTEN
Once a week
WHO
Adults ages 18 and older, after an assessment of group appropriateness
WHERE
Located in Lewiston only, with telehealth available.
RELATED CARE
Optional MAT, subject to clinical assessment
SUPPORT, CONNECTION, AND PRACTICE
What a session can look like
You can work toward reducing use, lowering risks, or abstinence. The group brings together different experiences and goals, with time to reflect on challenges and consider practical next steps. Abstinence is not a prerequisite.
Check in
Share how things have been going and what you would like support with.
Talk together
Take part in supportive discussion about everyday challenges and experiences.
Practice skills
Learn practical skills and consider how to use them in daily life.
A FORMAT THAT FITS YOUR NEEDS
Before you join
Start with a conversation
This is a generalist substance use group for adults ages 18 and older. We assess each person’s needs before group participation and discuss whether the format is appropriate.
This once-weekly group is separate from Avalon’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Our team can help you discuss which service may fit your needs.
Sharing in a group
Group brings people together to talk about personal experiences. Respect for others and their privacy is important.
Before joining, ask our team about participation and privacy expectations, including how to prepare for a telehealth session.
Related care, when appropriate
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may be an option following clinical assessment. Medication is not required to receive counseling. Clients receiving medication services through Avalon also participate in counseling through Avalon.
HELPFUL TO KNOW
Common questions
Where and when does the group meet?
Thursdays, 12–2 pm, once a week, in Maine local time. In-person group meets in Lewiston only. Clients in Lewiston and Wilton may attend by telehealth.
Do I need to be abstinent before joining?
No. The group supports harm reduction and abstinence according to each person’s goals. Participation depends on an assessment of whether the group is appropriate for your needs.
How do I get started?
After you apply, our team will review your application and call you to discuss whether the group is a good fit. If it is, we’ll discuss next steps. If another type of support would be more appropriate, we’ll discuss alternative options. You can apply yourself or through a referral.
What payment options are available?
We accept MaineCare, self-pay, and select private insurance plans. Please contact us to confirm coverage.
Let’s talk about your next step
Start an application or call to ask about the substance use group. We’ll review your needs and discuss whether the group is a good fit.
Have a general question? Contact us. Please don’t send private health information through the contact form.
Submitting an application does not book an appointment or guarantee enrollment.