Delivery of essential services to alcoholics through the "continuum of care"

To provide for the delivery of essential and comprehensive services for alcoholics, a well-developed continuum of care encompasses the following services: an information and referral, or diagnostic, center; detoxification or receiving center; primary rehabilitation; extended rehabilitation; residential intermediate care; outpatient care; a family program; and an after-care program. All of these services are geared toward the ultimate goal of assisting the alcoholic to live independently in the community and to utilize a variety of positive coping devices while remaining abstinent from beverage alcohol.