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Provided by PTA@C.A.R.E. in Affiliation with Dr. William Romanos, M.D.
Fear of withdrawal keeps addicts addicted. Those who use drugs like OxyContin, Heroin, Percocet and other opiates develop a physical dependence on the medication. The body has become accustomed to having the drug in the system and rebels when it does not receive it. Withdrawal is caused by a physiological reaction to the imbalance in the system that occurs when someone using opiates suddenly stops. It can also be caused when the body receives an insufficient amount of the drug because of increased tolerance. Tolerance is the need for more drugs to get the same effect. Opiate withdrawal will cause the worst flu-like symptoms imaginable.
The purpose of this program is two-fold.
- The program enables patients in the C.A.R.E. Day/Night with Community Housing program to receive detoxification treatment from Dr. Romanos while simultaneously receiving counseling to address the underlying root causes of their addiction.
- It allows persons with stable home environments and jobs to continue working and living at home or a suitable structured living environment, while medically detoxifying and receiving counseling in the evening with a minimum of disruption to their lives.
C.A.R.E. recognizes the difference between dependency and abuse. It is clear that a medical intervention may be required for the patient to free themselves from the grip of their opiate dependence. Dr. Romanos and his team will medically manage the patient and provide the necessary medications to keep the patient comfortable.
Dr. Romanos is authorized to prescribe Suboxone and Subutex, two medications which are approved for the treatment of opiate dependence. They contain the active ingredient of buprenorphine hydrochloride, which works to reduce the symptoms of opiate dependence. These medications and others are used to ensure that the patient is physically comfortable during the detoxification process.
Because, physical detoxification is only a small part of the problem, the underlying issues of substance abuse must also be addressed to overcome the problem and ensure long-term recovery. Those entering the PTA@C.A.R.E. Day/Night with Community Housing program or the Intensive Out Patient program, receive the full benefits of the drug rehab program offered at C.A.R.E.. Patients in the evening program will also attend an expanded evening Intensive Out Patient program. In addition to group meetings four nights per week, and individual counseling, these patients will also be eligible to participate in acupuncture, use the exercise facilities, enjoy access to the swimming pool and private fishing lake, and participate in other activities designed to facilitate recovery.
Frequently asked Questions:
- Why don’t I just take the medication? I really don’t need counseling.
Addiction is a disease of the thinking process. Medication only stops the physical symptoms of withdrawal. It is unreasonable to expect a quality life without appropriate counseling to help the patient fill the void they will inevitably feel.
- Will I need to lose time from work?
For the protection and safety of our patients, evaluation and initial dosing are done during the day. After you receive the medication for the first time, we will ask you to participate in the orientation program to familiarize yourself with the treatment. It will also be a chance to observe you after you take your medication so that we can make appropriate adjustments. Your individual circumstances and physical condition will determine how much time you will have to spend at the orientation program.
- What is the advantage of the Counseling Enhanced Opiate Detoxification Program at C.A.R.E. over the traditional detoxification program and/or other outpatient detoxification programs?
Traditional medical detoxification programs are often very similar to hospital settings, where the major (and often only) concern is the physiological well-being of the patient. For some drugs like alcohol, Valium and other central nervous system depressants, this is necessary because of the life threatening consequences of rapid withdrawal, but the opiate patient is using the detox center only for physical comfort. With the Counseling Enhanced Opiate Detoxification Program, the patient immediately begins the psychological therapeutic process and starts to deal with the underlying issues that led to the addiction.
We know that addicts use drugs to mask their feelings and avoid taking responsibility for their lives, and when stressed will traditionally use a drug to eliminate that emotion. Because counseling and life change by their very nature are stressful, addicts often turn to their detoxification medication for relief. The Counseling Enhanced Opiate Detoxification Program employs various methods to safeguard against such abuse, including life coaching, individualized and graduated treatment plans and the requirement that the patient pick up their regulated medication each day.
- Will my insurance pay for treatment?
It is impossible or us to know what insurance will and will not cover. Our insurance office will work with the patient and their family to obtain maximum benefits available under individual policies.
- How long will I be in treatment?
Each person is an individual. The length of treatment will depend on your physiological state, the problems that the counselors uncover and your willingness to work. Every person in treatment has an individual treatment plan, and that plan defines what you must accomplish while you are in treatment.
- How do I choose what parts of the program I will participate in?
Your individual treatment plan developed by you and your counselor will determine what groups and services best benefit your circumstances.
- What if I cannot trust myself, but still have to go work?
C.A.R.E. offers a full range of supportive services. Sober coaches, sober companions, sober transport and other innovative assistances are available to you as needed.
- What is the cost of this program?
Program costs are based on individual need for services and financial circumstances. A limited number of partial scholarships are available. Please call the office at 866.494.0866 and we will discuss your options.
- What is the first step to being admitted?
The first step to admission is to call the office for an evaluation appointment.
- Can anyone participate in the program?
Program eligibility is based on a number of issues. These include such things as environment, level of opiate use, emotional stability and physical condition. A determination will be made during the initial assessment to determine if this program is appropriate for you. Should you not be accepted, we will make recommendations as to the appropriate level of treatment for you.
CALL TOLL FREE: 1-866-494-0866
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C.A.R.E. Florida 321 Northlake Blvd. Suite 102 North Palm Beach, FL 33408 |
