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Community Program Aims to Help SRPMIC Members Overcome Drug Addiction 

A treatment program wants to educate the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community about the services it provides to address substance abuse. The Journey to Recovery (JTR) program, a component of the Salt River Behavioral Health Services–Substance Use Division, helps Community members address their substance abuse through a series of steps to recovery. 

“We really focus on our levels of care,” said Dr. Nathan Velez, JTR administrator. “The technical term for that is ‘continuum,” which is substance recovery work,” said Velez, who noted that in order for an individual to wean off drugs, it requires a sufficient amount of time and attention. 

The JTR program focuses on five areas of recovery: stabilization, immersion, connection/exposure, transition and sober living. Clients are admitted into JTR in a number of ways, either by self-admission or through a referral from family and friends, the Community Court or tribal departments. 

According to Velez, JTR is the first place people start on their path to recovery and is the critical phase in withdrawing from drugs. “It used to be called social detox,” said Frank Saverino, JTR clinical manager. “They would go into a facility and endure for days as they withdrew from their addiction.” 

He said JTR takes addiction treatment a step further, because the staff understands the varying conditions of Community members who enter into the program. Saverino said, “Withdrawal management is that first part of recovery, which is getting the drugs out of the system in a way that is compassionate to the client.” 

Now, in JTR with certain situations, depending on the severity of the addiction, clients may encounter intense physical discomfort from withdrawal, requiring the aid of medications to treat the symptoms. For example, Velez said that in the case of withdrawal from fentanyl, utilization of medications is necessary to stabilize the patient. With the help of an on-staff addictionologist, clients receive the appropriate treatment that is a safer alternative to resorting back to drugs. 

Velez said the goal is to help clients get through their withdrawal period and have them stay for longer periods of time, which correlates to a better chance of success with long-term treatment. Saverino said when clients are able to get to a certain point in their recovery they can transition into residential care, which is a service rarely seen at other treatment facilities. 

“We are planting seeds for the next step of care, which is actually JTR, the residential portion of the program—that is the heart of why we exist in the Community,” said Velez. He added, “Now we are keeping people, monitoring their systems and treating their pain, and then what I call creating this concept of ‘stickiness,’ having them stick with us while they are in recovery.”

Both Velez and Saverino said clients go through a phased system that generally can last 90 to 120 days, but it is based on the client’s status and level of readiness. During their time in residential care, clients may still receive medically assisted treatment until they are deemed ready for the transitional stage. 

The residential care portion incorporates all elements of western medicine and traditional medicine into the treatment. “Some of these elements can include prayer, sweat and talking circles [as well as] counseling and group therapy,” said Velez. 

While in the transitional phase, clients are allowed to take part in Community events, such as last month’s Community Day event on June 11. “[The treatment] is also about reconnecting them to their meaningfulness to life and their culture and way of life,” said Velez. 

The JTR program also includes building connections with family and the Community through various components that bring clients closer to the people around them. “In the transition stage we stay with them, so as to not let them just fall off of a cliff,” Velez said. “We get them jobs and we are working with services that can get them on their feet. When they transition out of JTR, they transition into sober living.” 

Saverino added, “There is a five-day-a-week program when they step out of JTR. They have some support there for five hours a day, in case they need additional treatment.” 

The JTR program works with other Community departments. “[W]hatever need they have within the Community, [we] integrate that into their treatment and recovery,” said Saverino, “including working with the primary care physicians and outpatient staff at the River People Health Center. The continuum of care is fully integrated with the Community and the medical, spiritual, primary care and psychiatric care, so it is a comprehensive system.”

For individuals, who would like to contact JTR, please refer to information listed in the brochure: 480-361-5685. 

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Journey to Recovery: Program dedicated to assisting women through opioid addiction

by: Victoria Saha

Posted: Sep 21, 2022 / 03:42 PM PDT

Updated: Sep 21, 2022 / 07:02 PM PDT

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — More than 650 people have died since 2021 from opioid-related deaths, 237 of which were women, according to the Clark County Coroner’s Office.

8 News Now looked into how the opioid epidemic impacts expecting mothers and a program geared towards helping them.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the drug epidemic is growing in the U.S., especially among women.

When a pregnant woman is using drugs it not only poses a direct threat to an unborn baby but could also play a huge influence on that baby to start using drugs later in life, according to experts.

A program at Roseman University could stop the cycle.

Erin Migliara is eight months pregnant, and was using drugs around the time she realized she was pregnant. She is hoping the program will help assist her at this crucial time in life.

“I was honest with my doctor from the getgo and told her I was on heroin, she recommended I come here,” she said.

The empowered program assists pregnant women by easing them off of drugs with therapy and medical aid.

Migliara is doing her best to stay clean at the program, however, her drug use stems from an early age.

“When I was 15 I had a best friend we would sneak out and her mom took a lot of Vicodin, and we would steal her pills then it turned into we needed more,” Migliara said.

Farzad Kaymar, a psychiatrist for the empowered program said drug use often comes with a stigma.

“Oftentimes folks are using to get high or feel euphoria, but that feeling goes away and it’s just to be functioning,” Kaymar added.

He also said drug overdose ends up being the leading cause of death for women who are of reproductive age.

“Exposure to opioids can lead to low birth weight, premature birth, potentially fetal loss,” Kaymar said.

If a pregnant woman continued drug use, the baby would potentially go into withdrawal after birth.

“Then there is the generational stuff being at risk of future substance use,” Kaymar added.

Quintella Whimbush had been in recovery for 12 years and now she is helping other women through the program which she said has helped her stay clean.

“As long as you have hope you have a life, and as long as you are breathing you have a chance,” she told 8 News Now.

As for Migliara, she tells 8 News Now she is taking her recovery day by day.

“I’ll take a couple of bad days than a lifetime of hell,” she expressed.

The Empowered program through Roseman University is free and available for anyone living in the Las Vegas area, for pregnant and postpartum women.

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Alcohol's Effects on Health

Research-based information on drinking and its impact.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

Treatment for alcohol problems: finding and getting help.

This guide is written for individuals, and their family and friends, who are looking for options to address alcohol problems. It is intended as a resource to understand what treatment choices are available and what to consider when selecting among them.  Please note: NIAAA recently launched the NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator. This online tool helps you find the right treatment for you — and near you. It guides you through a step-by-step process to finding a highly qualified professional treatment provider. Learn more at  https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov .

When Is It Time for Treatment?

Alcohol-related problems—which result from drinking too much, too fast, or too often—are among the most significant public health issues in the United States.

Many people struggle with controlling their drinking at some time in their lives. More than  14 million adults ages 18 and older have alcohol use disorder (AUD),  and 1 in 10 children live in a home with a parent who has a drinking problem.

Does Treatment Work?

The good news is that no matter how severe the problem may seem, most people with AUD can benefit from some form of treatment.

Research shows that about one-third of people who are treated for alcohol problems have no further symptoms 1 year later. Many others substantially reduce their drinking and report fewer alcohol-related problems.

Signs of an Alcohol Problem

Alcohol use disorder (AUD)  is a medical condition that doctors diagnose when a patient’s drinking causes distress or harm. The condition can range from mild to severe and is diagnosed when a patient answers “yes” to two or more of the following questions.

In the past year, have you:

Had times when you ended up drinking  more, or longer  than you intended?

More than once wanted to  cut down or stop drinking , or tried to, but couldn’t?

Spent a  lot of time  drinking? Or being sick or getting over the aftereffects?

Experienced  craving —a strong need, or urge, to drink?

Found that drinking—or being sick from drinking—often  interfered with taking care  of your  home  or  family ? Or caused  job  troubles? Or  school  problems?

Continued to drink even though it was causing  trouble  with your  family  or  friends ?

Given up  or  cut back  on  activities  that were important or interesting to you, or gave you pleasure, in order to drink?

More than once gotten into situations while or after drinking that  increased your chances of getting hurt  (such as driving, swimming, using machinery, walking in a dangerous area, or having unsafe sex)?

Continued to drink even though it was making you feel  depressed or anxious  or adding to  another health problem ? Or after having had a  memory blackout ?

Had to  drink much more  than you once did to  get the effect  you want? Or found that your  usual number  of drinks had  much less effect  than before?

Found that when the effects of alcohol were wearing off, you  had withdrawal symptoms , such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, irritability, anxiety, depression, restlessness, nausea, or sweating? Or sensed things that were not there?

If you have any of these symptoms, your drinking may already be a cause for concern. The more symptoms you have, the more urgent the need for change. A health professional can conduct a formal assessment of your symptoms to see if AUD is present. For an online assessment of your drinking pattern, go to  RethinkingDrinking.niaaa.nih.gov .

Options for Treatment

When asked how alcohol problems are treated, people commonly think of 12-step programs or 28-day inpatient rehab but may have difficulty naming other options. In fact, there are a variety of treatment methods currently available, thanks to significant advances in the field over the past 60 years.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and what may work for one person may not be a good fit for someone else. Simply understanding the different options can be an important first step.

Types of Treatment

Behavioral treatments.

Behavioral treatments are aimed at changing drinking behavior through counseling. They are led by health professionals and supported by studies showing they can be beneficial.

Medications

Three medications are currently approved in the United States to help people stop or reduce their drinking and prevent relapse. They are prescribed by a primary care physician or other health professional and may be used alone or in combination with counseling.

Mutual-Support Groups

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step programs provide peer support for people quitting or cutting back on their drinking. Combined with treatment led by health professionals, mutual-support groups can offer a valuable added layer of support.

Due to the anonymous nature of mutual-support groups, it is difficult for researchers to determine their success rates compared with those led by health professionals.

Starting With a Primary Care Doctor

For anyone thinking about treatment, talking to a primary care physician is an important first step—he or she can be a good source for treatment referrals and medications. A primary care physician can also:

Evaluate a patient’s drinking pattern 

Help craft a treatment plan

Evaluate overall health

Assess if medications for alcohol may be appropriate

Individuals are advised to talk to their doctors about the best form of primary treatment. 

Types of Professionals Involved in Care

Treatments led by health professionals.

Professionally led treatments include:

Some are surprised to learn that there are medications on the market approved to treat alcohol dependence. The newer types of these medications work by offsetting changes in the brain caused by AUD.

All approved medications are non-addictive and can be used alone or in combination with other forms of treatment. Learn more about these  approved treatments .

Also known as alcohol counseling, behavioral treatments involve working with a health professional to identify and help change the behaviors that lead to heavy drinking. Behavioral treatments share certain features, which can include:

Developing the skills needed to stop or reduce drinking

Helping to build a strong social support system

Working to set reachable goals

Coping with or avoiding the triggers that might cause relapse

Types of Behavioral Treatments

Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy  can take place one-on-one with a therapist or in small groups. This form of therapy is focused on identifying the feelings and situations (called “cues”) that lead to heavy drinking and managing stress that can lead to relapse. The goal is to change the thought processes that lead to alcohol misuse and to develop the skills necessary to cope with everyday situations that might trigger problem drinking.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy  is conducted over a short period of time to build and strengthen motivation to change drinking behavior. The therapy focuses on identifying the pros and cons of seeking treatment, forming a plan for making changes in one’s drinking, building confidence, and developing the skills needed to stick to the plan.

Marital and Family Counseling  incorporates spouses and other family members in the treatment process and can play an important role in repairing and improving family relationships. Studies show that strong family support through family therapy increases the chances of maintaining abstinence (stopping drinking), compared with patients undergoing individual counseling.

Brief Interventions  are short, one-on-one or small-group counseling sessions that are time limited. The counselor provides information about the individual’s drinking pattern and potential risks. After the client receives personalized feedback, the counselor will work with him or her to set goals and provide ideas for helping to make a change.

Ultimately, choosing to get treatment may be more important than the approach used, as long as the approach avoids heavy confrontation and incorporates empathy, motivational support, and a focus on changing drinking behavior.

What FDA-Approved Medications Are Available?

Certain medications have been shown to effectively help people stop or reduce their drinking and avoid relapse.

Current Medications

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three medications for treating alcohol dependence, and others are being tested to determine whether they are effective.

Naltrexone  can help people reduce heavy drinking.

Acamprosate  makes it easier to maintain abstinence.

Disulfiram  blocks the breakdown (metabolism) of alcohol by the body, causing unpleasant symptoms such as nausea and flushing of the skin. Those unpleasant effects can help some people avoid drinking while taking disulfiram.

It is important to remember that not all people will respond to medications, but for a subset of individuals, they can be an important tool in overcoming alcohol dependence.

Scientists are working to develop a larger menu of pharmaceutical treatments that could be tailored to individual needs. As more medications become available, people may be able to try multiple medications to find which they respond to best.

“Isn’t taking medications just trading one addiction for another?”

This is not an uncommon concern, but the short answer is “no.” All medications approved for treating alcohol dependence are non-addictive. These medicines are designed to help manage a chronic disease, just as someone might take drugs to keep their asthma or diabetes in check.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Treatment

Progress continues to be made as researchers seek out new and better treatments for alcohol problems. By studying the underlying causes of AUD in the brain and body, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) is working to identify key cellular or molecular structures—called “targets”—that could lead to the development of new medications.

Personalized Medicine

Ideally, health professionals would be able to identify which AUD treatment is most effective for each person. NIAAA and other organizations are conducting research to identify genes and other factors that can predict how well someone will respond to a particular treatment. These advances could optimize how treatment decisions are made in the future.

Current NIAAA Research—Leading to Future Breakthroughs

Certain medications already approved for other uses have shown promise for treating alcohol dependence and problem drinking:

The anti-smoking drug varenicline (marketed under the name Chantix) significantly reduced alcohol consumption and craving among people with AUD.

Gabapentin, a medication used to treat pain conditions and epilepsy, was shown to increase abstinence and reduce heavy drinking. Those taking the medication also reported fewer alcohol cravings and improved mood and sleep.

The anti-epileptic medication topiramate was shown to help people curb problem drinking, particularly among those with a certain genetic makeup that appears to be linked to the treatment’s effectiveness.

Tips for Selecting Treatment

Professionals in the alcohol treatment field offer advice on what to consider when choosing a treatment program.

Overall, gather as much information as you can about the program or provider before making a decision on treatment. If you know someone who has first-hand knowledge of the program, it may help to ask about his or her personal experience.

Here are some questions you can ask that may help guide your choice:

What kind of treatment does the program or provider offer?  It is important to gauge whether the facility provides all the currently available methods or relies on one approach. You may want to learn if the program or provider offers medication and if mental health issues are addressed together with addiction treatment.

Is treatment tailored to the individual?  Matching the right therapy to the individual is important to its success. No single treatment will benefit everyone. It may also be helpful to determine whether treatment will be adapted to meet changing needs as they arise.

What is expected of the patient?  You will want to understand what will be asked of you in order to decide what treatment best suits your needs.

Is treatment success measured?  By assessing whether and how the program or provider measures success, you may be able to better compare your options.

How does the program or provider handle relapse?  Relapse is common, and you will want to know how it is addressed. For more information on relapse, see  Relapse Is Part of the Process .

When seeking professional help, it is important that you feel respected and understood and that you have a feeling of trust that this person, group, or organization can help you. Remember, though, that relationships with doctors, therapists, and other health professionals can take time to develop.

Additional Considerations

Treatment Setting—Inpatient or Outpatient?

In addition to choosing the type of treatment that’s best for you, you’ll also have to decide if that treatment is inpatient (you would stay at a facility) or outpatient (you stay in your home during treatment). Inpatient facilities tend to be more intensive and costly. Your healthcare provider can help you evaluate the pros and cons of each.

Cost may be a factor when selecting a treatment approach.  Evaluate the coverage in your health insurance plan to determine how much of the costs your insurance will cover and how much you will have to pay. Ask different programs if they offer sliding scale fees—some programs may offer lower prices or payment plans for individuals without health insurance.

An Ongoing Process

Overcoming alcohol use disorder is an ongoing process, one which can include setbacks.

The Importance of Persistence

Because AUD can be a chronic relapsing disease, persistence is key. It is rare that someone would go to treatment once and then never drink again. More often, people must repeatedly try to quit or cut back, experience recurrences, learn from them, and then keep trying. For many, continued follow up with a treatment provider is critical to overcoming problem drinking.

Relapse Is Part of the Process

Relapse is common among people who overcome alcohol problems. People with drinking problems are most likely to relapse during periods of stress or when exposed to people or places associated with past drinking.

Just as some people with diabetes or asthma may have flare-ups of their disease, a relapse to drinking can be seen as a temporary setback to full recovery and not a complete failure. Seeking professional help can prevent relapse—behavioral therapies can help people develop skills to avoid and overcome triggers, such as stress, that might lead to drinking. Most people benefit from regular checkups with a treatment provider. Medications also can deter drinking during times when individuals may be at greater risk of relapse (e.g., divorce, death of a family member).

Mental Health Issues and Alcohol Use Disorder

Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand with heavy drinking. Studies show that people who are alcohol dependent are two to three times as likely to suffer from major depression or anxiety over their lifetime. When addressing drinking problems, it’s important to also seek treatment for any accompanying medical and mental health issues.

Advice For Friends and Family Members

Caring for a person who has problems with alcohol can be very stressful. It is important that as you try to help your loved one, you find a way to take care of yourself as well. It may help to seek support from others, including friends, family, community, and support groups. If you are developing your own symptoms of depression or anxiety, think about seeking professional help for yourself. Remember that your loved one is ultimately responsible for managing his or her illness.

However, your participation can make a big difference.  Based on clinical experience, many health providers believe that support from friends and family members is important in overcoming alcohol problems. But friends and family may feel unsure about how best to provide the support needed. The groups for family and friends listed below may be a good starting point.

Remember that changing deep habits is hard, takes time, and requires repeated efforts.  We usually experience failures along the way, learn from them, and then keep going. AUD is no different. Try to be patient with your loved one. Overcoming this disorder is not easy or quick.

Pay attention to your loved one when he or she is doing better or simply making an effort.  Too often we are so angry or discouraged that we take it for granted when things are going better. A word of appreciation or acknowledgement of a success can go a long way.

Professional help

Your doctor.  Primary care and mental health practitioners can provide effective AUD treatment by combining new medications with brief counseling visits. To aid clinicians, NIAAA has developed a guide for younger patients,  Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention for Youth: A Practitioner’s Guide . This guide and other resources are available at  https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/health-professionals-communities .

Specialists in AUD.  For specialty addiction treatment options, contact your doctor, health insurance plan, local health department, or employee assistance program. Other resources include:

Medical and non-medical addiction specialists

American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry 401–524–3076

American Psychological Association 1–800–964–2000 (ask for your state’s referral number to find psychologists with addiction specialties)

American Society of Addiction Medicine 301–656–3920 (ask for the phone number of your state’s chapter)

NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals   1–800–548–0497

National Association of Social Workers (search for social workers with addiction specialties)

Treatment facilities

Substance Use Treatment Facility Locator 1–800–662–HELP

Mutual-support groups

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)  212–870–3400 

Moderation Management   212–871–0974

Secular AA   Calendar of worldwide secular meetings

SMART Recovery   440–951–5357

Women for Sobriety   215–536–8026

Groups for family and friends

Al-Anon Family Groups   1–888–425–2666 for meetings

Adult Children of Alcoholics 310–534–1815

Information resources

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism  301–443–3860

National Institute on Drug Abuse 301–443–1124

National Institute of Mental Health   1–866–615–6464

Research shows that most people who have alcohol problems are able to reduce their drinking or quit entirely.

There are many roads to getting better. What is important is finding yours.

Understanding the available treatment options—from behavioral therapies and medications to mutual-support groups—is the first step. The important thing is to remain engaged in whatever method you choose.

Ultimately, receiving treatment can improve your chances of success.

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Journey to Recovery

An In-Depth Look at the Opioid Epidemic in Kentucky

For Carl Varney in Greenup County, addiction began with marijuana and alcohol. Then he got in a car wreck in his mid-twenties and was prescribed opioid pain medication. “I already had an addiction in my life, and so for these to come in, a highly addictive substance, it took no time at all before I liked them.”

On the other side of the commonwealth in Paducah, Matt Lacefield was just a teenager when he began using opioids. “I really liked anything. Because I was young – 12, 13 years old when I really started using. OxyContin was my big thing when I was 13 years old,” he says. “It wasn’t until I got to 22 years old, I hit the bottom finally. I either had to change or something was going to change me, I knew it. It was no longer me saying it, it was just a fact.”

These young men are among the thousands of Kentuckians who have struggled with opioid use disorder over the past quarter-century. There are few, if any, people in the commonwealth who have not been affected by the opioid crisis. Since the 1990s, the crisis has grown alongside a national epidemic that claimed over 30,000 lives in 2015. Among the hardest hit states, Kentucky has also been a national leader in finding solutions to curb the epidemic.

Carl and Matt are currently in long-term recovery, each helped through different programs. Their stories are part of Journey to Recovery , a one-hour KET documentary that takes an in-depth look at the epidemic in Kentucky. Featuring interviews with national experts on opioids as well as Kentuckians on the front lines of the crisis, Journey to Recovery explains addiction as a brain disease and explores a variety of successful treatment and recovery programs in the state. The film is part of KET’s ongoing Inside Opioid Addiction initiative, funded in part by the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.

Opioid Use Disorder: A Disease of the Brain

Opioids – whether prescription painkillers like oxycodone or hydrocodone, street drugs like heroin, or the newer, potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl – affect brain function in significant ways. Once in the bloodstream, an opioid travels to the brain and binds to widely distributed opioid receptors. When activated, these receptors release dopamine, the neurotransmitter that, among other things, regulates feelings of pleasure and euphoria.

The intense high associated with opioid use does not last, however. “With continued use, you get less dopamine release so the body gets used to it, it tries to adapt,” said Dr. Michelle Lofwall, a psychiatrist at the University of Kentucky. As the release diminishes, cravings for the drug increase and override a person’s rational decision making.

“The changes in the brain that are caused with repeated administration of these drugs have basically hijacked the circuitry into believing that this is a state of deprivation that, if not solved, will not allow you to survive,” said Dr. Nora Volklow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

“Addiction is clearly a disease,” said Dr. Stephen Kronenberg, director of the Renew Recovery Clinic in Georgetown. “It affects parts of the brain responsible for impulse control, motivation, and memory.” People addicted to opioids rarely can quit without help, and in recent years, more treatment and counseling options have become available across Kentucky to reach the same goal of recovery.

The Components of Successful Drug Treatment

In Clay County, Chad’s Hope offers an abstinence-only, faith-based counseling model for those seeking treatment for opioid use disorder. Carl Varney, whose drug abuse eventually brought him into the Greenup County court system, was admitted to Chad’s Hope and underwent the year-long rehabilitation program. The program’s courses in job and life skills training and its emphasis on accountability and Christian values changed his life.

“You have to give up, you have to surrender and let somebody help you,” he said. “Because you just can’t do it on your own, somebody has got to help you and that’s what treatment is all about.”

In Paducah, Matt Lacefield was admitted into another abstinence-based program, Centerpoint Recovery Center for Men. It adopts the 12-step program popularized by Alcoholics Anonymous, but does not explicitly promote Christian-oriented recovery. Matt is now a peer mentor who, along with Capt. Anthony Copeland of the Paducah Police Department and Dr. Patrick Withrow, conducts outreach into high schools to educate young people about opioid use disorder.

“A little over two years ago, I never could have dreamed of all of this,” Matt said. “I never could have dreamed I’d be the guy going to school. I’ve got my own vehicle, got my own apartment, got a girlfriend who loves me.”

“For me, the great miracle in this country is the 12-step programs,” said Dr. Robert DuPont, the first director of the National Institute for Drug Abuse in the 1970s. “Treatment is expensive; you’ve got government and insurance and all of those things, but recovery is free. You go to meetings and you work the program, and it makes a tremendous difference.”

Abstinence-based treatment models have worked for Carl and Matt, but others in the throes of opioid addiction struggle in that setting. Dr. Mark Jorrisch, medical director at the MORE Center in Louisville, supervises a clinic that provides medication-assisted treatment to patients. “When you look at the literature and the science, particularly with opioid use disorders – and I continue to look at opiates as just a different type of substance than these other drugs of addiction – it’s a very difficult problem and patients respond better in my estimation to the medications.”

The MORE Center provides a methadone-based treatment model, and other medication-based facilities in the state, such as Georgetown’s Renew Recovery, operated by Dr. Kronenberg, offer buprenorphine-based models. These programs do far more than just swap one form of opioid for another; they closely monitor patients and couple the drug treatment with a counseling program that strives to achieve immediate harm reduction as well as long-term recovery.

“I didn’t even smoke a cigarette before I turned 18 so I started later than a lot of people,” said Kyle, who visits the MORE Clinic in Louisville. “It started with your college partying. Opiates for me were definitely the drug of choice. It got to the point where I realized that I had to do something or I was going to end up killing myself from an overdose.”

Kyle comes into the MORE Center every day for treatment and believes that it has the right combination of stability, support, and assistance that he needs.

“I think people need to know that this might not be for everybody, but this is something that is saving lives and it has saved my life,” he said. “I can say that with a great measure of confidence. The methadone is not a magic medicine – it’s everything else that comes with it.”

Rethinking the Role of the Criminal Justice System

“If Kentucky was a country, it would have one of the highest levels of incarceration in the world,” said Lawrence County District Judge John Holbrook. “So we are spending a fortune on incarcerating people especially who are what I would call the ‘but for’ test – that’s what we were taught in law school, but for the fact that they’re an addict, they would not be in the criminal justice system.”

The drug court system was established in 1989 and provides an alternative to incarceration for persons whose crimes are a direct result of their drug addiction.

“Drug courts are really a combination of compassionate, competent addiction treatment and common sense accountability,” said Terrence Walton, chief operating officer of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals. “It works by including treatment providers and recovery support specialists who actually treat the real issues that underlie the criminal behavior. Some people see it as being soft on crime, but it’s really being smart on the issues that underlie crime.”

Most drug courts in Kentucky do not include medication-assisted treatment, but the Lawrence County drug court overseen by Judge Holbrook does. He supports medication-assisted treatment while acknowledging its critics, saying that he’s seen it give drug court enrollees the initial stability they need in order to move forward, complete their treatment program, and become fully rehabilitated and drug-free.

Many people convicted of drug-related crimes in Kentucky are not candidates for drug courts, and must serve time. Several prisons around the state are adopting innovative, comprehensive programs for drug offenders that shift the criminal justice goalposts toward proactive treatment in order to reduce recidivism. The Kenton County Detention Center is one such facility.

“Incarceration for way too long has just been ‘Let’s incarcerate the person and hope that something happens while they are in there, that they have a change of character that happens in some way because of their consequence,’” said Kenton County Detention Center clinical navigator Michael Greenwell. “Unfortunately, that hasn’t been a successful footprint. The Jail Substance Abuse Program is really a new footprint for the Kenton County area. Its primary goal is to help the addict recover from his addiction.”

The program at the Kenton County Detention Center includes GED classes, counseling based on the 12-step method, and an innovative re-entry program that offers participants who go through detox a shot of Vivitrol, a medication that blocks the recipient’s ability to get high from opioids for 30 days. This is given as the inmates are released, to assist them as they acclimate back into society.

“In a place that is seemingly hopeless and a lot of people would say, ‘I’m at the end of my rope,’ it’s a blessing to be able to offer treatment, valuable quality treatment to putting a stop to that revolving door we all hear about,” said Jason Merrick, director of inmate addiction services at Kenton County Detention Center. “You know bringing hope into a facility that is steel and concrete and letting these men and women know that they are worth it. They deserve help, they deserve treatment and care.”

Stories of Recovery, Empowerment, and Service

“Addiction is one of the most serious, most prevalent, often fatal diseases, and it needs to be managed for a lifetime,” said Dr. Robert DuPont. “Like diabetes is managed for a lifetime, like asthma is managed for a lifetime.”

Across Kentucky, persons committed to fighting the opioid epidemic have created support groups for those seeking recovery that offer a wide scope of services. They come from all walks of life. Some are families, such as the Elswicks in Lexington, who started Voices of Hope with their son Alex, who fought his addiction to opioids and is now a licensed therapist.

In Eastern Kentucky, Camp UNITE arose from the Operation UNITE anti-drug initiative and enlists counselors like Carl Varney to offer emotional support and motivation to the large number of at-risk children in the region who have relatives struggling with opioid use disorder.

Tara Mosely has been in recovery for almost six years. A student at the University of Louisville, she is also director of the Kentucky chapter of Young People in Recovery. This organization assists persons in recovery with a variety of tasks, ranging from applying to colleges to finding housing and helping getting criminal records expunged.

“We don’t see stories of people celebrating nine years of recovery,” Mosely said. “Or people that for the first time are going to college…or they are buying their first home, or they are getting married, or getting ready to start a family. I mean, those are success stories.”

“There is no one road to recovery,” said Van Ingram, executive director of Kentucky’s Office of Drug Control Policy. “We need all the tools at our disposal that we can have. And we need to tailor people’s treatment to the individual, what is most likely to work for them. And if that doesn’t work, we try another modality and see if that works. I think that is our only hope – to have everything we think of available to us, and to use all of it.”

Journey to Recovery is accompanied by a February 2017 town hall hosted by KET’s Renee Shaw, the Inside Opioid Addiction Forum . The forum brought together government agency directors, legislators, health care officials, treatment service administrators, and advocates for recovery to discuss the opioid epidemic in Kentucky and arrive at solutions. Watch Video

This KET article is part of the Inside Opioid Addiction initiative , funded in part by the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky .

By: Patrick Reed

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Journey to Recovery: Court program helping convicted felons recover from drug addiction

COLORADO SPRINGS — Gene Edwards said he was given a second chance at life.

"I overcame a lot of obstacles, being homeless at a young age and being on my own since seven years old," he said.

Edwards was in and out of prison for drug-related felonies and was facing his third strike in the court system in 2019. With few options left, he said he was introduced to the 4th Judicial District's Recovery Court Program. It's an option for those in El Paso and Teller Counties convicted of nonviolent drug-related felonies. The goal is to keep them from going to prison and help them into recovery instead.

"I just had, like, no faith, or no belief that anyone would gravitate to us and help us in a lost world," said Edwards.

On Thursday, he and seven others graduated from the Recovery Court Program after a minimum of two years of treatment, court appearances, and supervision from probation and the recovery court team.

Dan Hugill graduated from the program in 2018. He now works for the Peaks Recovery Center in Colorado Springs and is almost nine years sober from alcohol and meth.

"I was literally willing to do whatever it takes to stay sober. I have a family now I have all this fun stuff. I get to go help people. I get to help save lives. I love it," Hugill said.

To qualify for the program, defendants must be convicted felons with a criminal history relating to drug addiction, live in the 4th Judicial District, and be eligible for probation or be facing probation revocation. All participants must remain employed and work at least 29 hours per week during the program.

Defendants can be referred to the program by the public defender’s office, private attorneys, deputy district attorneys, probation officers or judges if they are eligible. A judicial officer can sentence the defendant to probation with Recovery Court as a condition.

Defendants convicted of crimes of violence, supplying minors, first or second-degree assault, or sex offenders are not eligible for the program.

Now two years sober, Edwards said he has maintained his landscaping business throughout recovery and hires other people released from prison. He said he has also developed a newfound relationship with his children and grandchildren.

"They don't have to go through the life that I went through, you know, they don't have to go to prison for all these years. They don't have to if they start now and do the right things," he said.

Edwards said he hopes more people of color can get a second chance through the program instead of being sent to prison.

"If people are given a chance, our Black people are given a chance, we can excel and do big things," he said.

He and seven others are now back on their feet and learning to find independence free of drug addiction. Edwards said he hopes to return as a volunteer for the program to share his story in hopes of inspiring others. ____

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Dora Ann Cisneros completed her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Houston. She is a fully Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is also proficient in Spanish Along with numerous internships and work experience under her belt, Dora also completed a followship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

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Family therapy, also called family counseling, is a type of psychological counseling (psychotherapy) that can help families with issues that affect the family unit as a whole, such as conflict resolution or communication.

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Couples counseling, sometimes known as marriage counseling, is a type of psychotherapy with the goal of strengthening relationships through thoughtful decision making, and recognition and resolution of conflicts.

An EAP (Employee Assistance Program) connects participating employees with professional and confidential assistance with personal and family issues that may affect workplace…

Group counseling is yet another avenue available for those looking seeking help for the meaning of their own experiences through the stories of others. You and several others will meet on a regularly scheduled basis to work through issues brought up in the group …

Telehealth, sometimes known as online counseling, is a type of counseling that provides the same assistance with a licensed therapist from any setting and location you feel is the most comfortable, including your own home.

Individual therapy, or psychotherapy, is a collaborative effort between therapist and client, to help the client take control of their life and how they respond to difficult situations by learning about their condition(s), thoughts, behaviors, moods and feelings.

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Journey to Recovery Center is a private outpatient mental health counseling practice located in Houston, Texas. We are a team of licensed therapists dedicated to providing confidential counseling and compassionate care. We serve all ages, provide counseling and Journey to Recovery Recovery Program.

Phone:   ( 832)-413-1107

Fax:   ( 888)-977-1299

Email:   [email protected]

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Monday to Friday: 9am-9pm Saturday: 8am-4pm

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The Ten Core Principles of Recovery

In order to help your clients navigate successful, long-term recovery, we’ve developed ten core principles of recovery. Like using a map, these principles help set good goals, avoid some mistakes, and dodge unnecessary problems. And of course, following that map helps you accomplish a specific, desired result. Although many of our clients are willing to pursue long-term recovery, they lack the direction, guidance, and skill necessary to sustain it. So what separates the successful from the unsuccessful? Those who are successful deliberately use the resources, wisdom, and support to plan their work and work their plan. Long-term recovery is not attained haphazardly; successful change requires intentional action. Here are the necessary key pieces for successful recovery.

• Honestly acknowledge the severity of your emotional or substance use disorder
• Take full, personal responsibility to live a life of recovery
• Actively challenge and change your thinking
• Develop positive life-changing character traits
• Repair damaged relationships
• Intentionally manage your attitude and disposition
• Establish constructive recovery connections
• Increase the quality of your emotional control
• Plan and work your relapse prevention strategy
• Cultivate a spirit of resilience

1. Honestly acknowledge the severity of your emotional or substance use disorder

The absolutely necessary starting point of any successful recovery is to accept the existence and the extent of the problems you face. Take a fierce, straightforward inventory, recognizing how substance use disorders have infiltrated, influenced, and damaged your life.

2. Take full, personal responsibility to live a life of recovery

Doing the work of recovery can only be accomplished through your efforts and by your actions. Recovery is yours alone. No one can make you do it; and no one can do it for you. What you choose and what you decide is what will determine your level of success.

3. Actively challenge and change your thinking

Successful recovery is possible. In order to keep past destructive patterns from continuing into the future, you have to change the way you are presently thinking. Identifying and changing the lies you tell yourself allows you to change your feelings and actions as you move forward. A strong recovery is achieved by changing the way you use or drink, as you change the way you believe and think.

4. Develop positive life-changing character traits

A lasting recovery is made possible by changing key qualities and characteristics of yourself, not by merely changing a few behaviors. Character transformation is rarely instantaneous. Be willing to systematically develop positive, personal traits over time. As you do, you will strengthen your resolve, establish new-found hope, and obtain the lasting recovery you desire.

5. Repair damaged relationships

Close, personal, and deeply connected relationships do the most to bring happiness and contentment in both your life and recovery program. The hurts caused by others from your past are best addressed though the process of forgiveness, even when it is difficult. The way to move forward into the future with someone you have hurt is often only made possible by rebuilding trust. Trust is rebuilt by demonstrating positive behavior changes over time. Both forgiveness and rebuilding trust must be used and present in order to repair relational damage. Although difficult, establishing meaningful relationships is extremely valuable and worth the effort.

6. Intentionally manage your attitude and disposition

Being intentional means to deliberately focus on key areas of life. Make your actions, and your attitude, purposeful and not random or haphazard. Be deliberate in what you do and in the way you live. Choose to control your mood, outlook, and temperament. Use positive self-talk to challenge your old, pessimistic, and negative scripts. As you practice, you will become increasingly more upbeat, positive, and optimistic.

7. Establish constructive recovery connections

People who are active in addiction are often coming from environments that allow, and even encourage, their addictive patterns. A strong recovery requires good emotional, spiritual, and relational support. A strong, sober support network is more often built than it is found. Be willing to be held accountable. It is important for you to seek encouragement, develop friendships, accept correction, navigate conflicts, and listen to advice. Your support network is being built as you practice these skills.

8. Increase the quality of your emotional control

Mental health and substance use disorders interact with each other and commonly increase the severity of both. Treatment must address both the substance abuse and the underlying mental health issues; set up a plan to manage each of these long-term. Interventions should be specifically designed to manage anxiety, regulate mood, increase overall emotional stability, and identify and reduce symptoms of depression. Medication and counseling help manage symptoms of co-occurring disorders better than either one alone and often become key pieces of long-term recovery.

9. Plan and work your relapse prevention strategy

Most people in recovery still have strong desires to use again. Relapse is the return to using drugs or alcohol after a period of being substance free. Because relapse is both damaging and wearisome to clients and their families, temptations must be planned for and managed strategically. Understanding relapse triggers, using structure to reduce cravings, finding adequate support, creating a positive living environment, consistently managing mental health issues, and changing the way you think, all become important prevention strategies.

10. Cultivate a spirit of resilience

Life-long recovery is not always a linear process. Be quick to indentify vulnerabilities, potential problems, temptations, and triggers for relapse. Being aware of these helps you to reach out and get the support you need. Getting stronger and making progress does not mean being perfect. As you work your recovery plan, you are establishing perseverance to withstand and defeat temptation when it comes. The dividends you reap are directly related to the investment you make. Rather than hoping temptations never come, diligently prepare yourself for when they do. You will grow in perseverance, diligence, and resilience as you continue your recovery plan.

Journey to Recovery is founded on the ten core principles for successful recovery. For clients with substance use disorders, adhering to these principles establishes enduring and life-long changes. Following these principles and developing skills helps when navigating rocky terrain filled with hazards, pitfalls, and difficulties. Using these ten principles will greatly improve the likelihood of living life-long recovery.

Recovery is a journey. Enjoy the ride!

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Palmetto Addiction Recovery Center - Baton Rouge

Treatment center, our facility at a glance.

9270 Siegen Lane

Baton Rouge, LA 70810

86 Palmetto Road

Rayville, LA 71269

• Pay by ACH Bank transfer, American Express, Check, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa, Wire
• AmeriHealth
• Anthem | Elevance
• Beacon Health Options | Carelon
• Blue Shield
• BlueCross and BlueShield
• Cigna and Evernorth
• MHN | Health Net
• MHNet Behavioral Health
• UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
• Vantage Health Plan
• Out of Network

Qualifications

• Verified by Psychology Today License: Louisiana / 2203786230
• In Practice for 31 Years
• License: CARF 204947 / 2024

Specialties and Expertise

Top specialties.

• Dual Diagnosis
• Substance Use
• Alcohol Use
• Anger Management
• Behavioral Issues
• Bipolar Disorder
• Borderline Personality (BPD)
• Chronic Relapse
• Codependency
• Coping Skills
• Impulse Control Disorders
• Marital and Premarital
• Medical Detox
• Professional's Programming
• Sexual Abuse
• Sexual Addiction
• Testing and Evaluation
• Trauma and PTSD
• Video Game Addiction

Client Focus

Participants, communities, programs and services, treatment programs.

• 12 Step Program
• Adult Residential
• Alcohol Rehab
• Christian Rehab
• Continuing Care
• Detox Program
• Eating Disorder
• Intervention
• Medication-Assisted Detox
• Opiate Drug Detox
• Residential Inpatient
• Young Adult Residential

Out / Inpatient

• Intensive Outpatient Program
• Long Term (>30 Days) Residential
• Short Term (<30 Days) Residential

Types of Therapy

• Attachment-based
• Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
• Psychological Testing and Evaluation
• Trauma Focused

Primary Location

Our Website

Additional Location

Nearby areas.

• Baton Rouge, LA
• Rayville, LA
• East Baton Rouge

Join us on a transformative journey of hope and healing as we navigate the path to recovery from sexual addiction. In this uplifting podcast, we share personal and in-progress stories of triumph, resilience, and growth.  Offering guidance, support, and inspiration to those seeking to break free from the chains of addiction while candidly sharing what has and has not worked for us on our journey to recovery. Together, we embrace the journey towards a life of authenticity, connection, and fulfillment, proving that recovery is not just possible but a beautiful testament to the power of the human spirit.

Sexual Brokenness - Real Time Stories of Recovery Sean and Dayne

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• MAY 30, 2024

Episode 3 - Finding Your Program (Part 2)

Send us a Text Message.Establishing strong accountability relationships are critical to your recovery journey. In this episode we explore the need to lean into honesty with close relationships and the power of sharing your story and struggles openly.What does true accountability look like in recovery?How does personal accountability differ from groups or therapy?How and where to start?This two-part episode focuses on how we came about the programs that have worked for us for the last 3 ...

• MAY 23, 2024

Episode 1 - Day 1 of Recovery

Send us a Text Message.Day one of recovery marks the courageous first step towards a life of healing and liberation. It's a pivotal moment filled with both vulnerability and strength, where one bravely confronts their demons and acknowledges the need for change. A day full of fear but also a glimmer of hope. A day of reflection, acceptance, and commitment. A day incredibly difficult to relive, yet important to remember. Join us as we relive our first day of recovery and ho...

Episode 2 - Finding Your Program (Part 1)

Send us a Text Message.Finding the right program is crucial for embarking on a successful addiction recovery journey. It's about aligning with a supportive community, tailored resources, and evidence-based approaches that resonate with individual needs and goals. Does every program work for everybody?What does a 'program' even mean?How and where to start?This two-part episode focuses on how we came about the programs that have worked for us for the last 3 months of sobriety. Listen to ou...

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