Drug addiction, also known as Chemical Dependency, is a term that refers to a disease of the nervous system which is manifested by a loss of control over the use of a substance such as drugs or alcohol, which results in problems from its use and may be accompanied by withdrawal symptoms when the substance is discontinued. A person suffering from drug or alcohol addiction may experience cravings for drugs and alcohol and continue to use the substances despite adverse consequences. Each substance can carry the risk for misuse, abuse, dependence and even death.

The abuse of drugs and alcohol may result in both physical and psychological injury and illness, including liver damage, heart problems, infections such as AIDs, legal problems, divorce, alienation from children, financial loss, depression, panic attacks, hospitalization, memory loss(both acute blackouts and actual brain injury that may be permanent) and multiple injuries. Patients may develop physical, mental and emotion pain.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Disorders

1. Alcohol Dependence
2. Sedative Hypnotic Dependence
3. Opiate Dependence
4. Stimulant Dependence
5. Marijuana Dependence
6. Opiod Depenence

The Recovery Road Drug Abuse and Chemical Dependency Treatment Program provides structured training and group support to assist patients in becoming chemically free of mood altering drugs and alcohol. The treatment program utilizes daily structured activities divided into education and skills training groups and process groups. Treatment patients utilize daily thought and mood logs to assist them in learning cognitive behavioral therapy skills. Patients practice stress management techniques that include relaxation training as well as learning how to take time out, share their feelings and concerns and to ask for help. The group modality assists patients in dealing with the shame and guilt that goes with alchol or drug addiction.

Patients are expected to also attend 12 step groups, get a sponsor and work the steps in parallel with the Recovery Road Program. It is expected that the training the patient receives at Recovery Road will provide needed skills to assist the patient in progressing through the 12 steps. Twelve Step participation is emphasized as an essential part of ongoing recovery.

Patients meet weekly with their program counselor to monitor their progress towards their goals in their drug and alcohol treatment plan. One of the Medical Directors also meets with the patients weekly regarding medication and medical concerns. Patients who are seeing other counselors and/or psychiatrists may continue their treatment with those providers during this program.

All patients receive weekly random urine drug testing.

OBJECTIVES OF THE DRUG AND ALCOHOL TREATMENT PROGRAM INCLUDE:

1. Abstinence from addictive chemicals unless the patient is on approved opiate maintenance (such as Suboxone or methadone).
2. Acceptance of addiction as a disease for which there is no cure, but which can be arrested.
3. Development of skills such as assertive communication, relaxation training, drink refusal training, relapse prevention skills.
4. Improvement in depression, anxiety and anger.
5. When stressed the ability to take time out, share and ask for help.
6. Reduction in cognitive distortions which increase dysfunction and lead to relapse.
7. Initiation of long term participation in 12 step programs.
8. Involvement of family and friends in recovery from addiction.

TOPICS FOR DRUG AND ALCOHOL EDUCATION GROUPS:

1. Cycle of change.
2. Values: what they value in their life.
3. (Pros and Cons) Benefits of Sobriety and negative Consequences of using.
4. Physical Addiction and Disease Concept.
5. Problem solving.
6. Identifying triggers and their management (HALT, anger, anxiety, depression).
7. Managing stress.
8. Managing criticism.
9. The Critical Inner Voice.
10. Managing cravings and urges.
11. Effective refusals.
12. AA and the 12 steps.
13. Spirituality.
14. Recommitting after a slip.
15. Lovability.
16. Rewarding my success.
17. New ways to enjoy life.
18. Identifying Core Beliefs.
19. Identifying Cognitive Distortions.
20. Challenging negative cognitive distortions.
21. Confidence and temptations.
22. Proper boundaries in relationship.
23. Co-dependency.
24. Developing a relationship with self and family.
25. Communication, support and honesty in relationship.
26. Shame and Stigma of Addiction.

SPECIFIC RECOVERY SKILLS:

1. Daily thought and mood recordings.
2. Identifying and challenging cognitive distortions.
3. Stress management (Time out, sharing, asking for help).
4. Drink refusal training.
5. Management of craving and urges.
6. Assertive communication.
7. 12 step program participation and progress in spiritual recovery.