offers opiate dependent individuals an Out-Patient option that has been “studied in over 2,000 patients and shown to be a safe and effective treatment for opiate dependence”. (US Food & Drug Administration).
Currently, the most readily available treatment for opiate dependence is Methadone Maintenance. Methadone, while effective, must be dispensed in highly regulated and for many, difficult to access clinics. In general, an individual must present himself each morning at a clinic for a daily dose of methadone. Methadone will keep the individual emotionally stable and will prevent the intense physical withdrawal that is associated with opiate dependence.
Suboxone® protocols offer opiate dependent
individuals with a wide range of options, including abstinence from all forms
of opiates.
Treatment is provided in an Out Patient professional setting. With Suboxone®,
we can safely and effectively detox an individual from opiate dependence comfortably
in an Out Patient environment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is provided and
is an integral component of the Assisted Recovery Pennsylvania Model program.
It fully meets the counseling requirement that is mandated by the Food &
Drug Administration for individuals taking Suboxone®.
Assisted Recovery became operational in April of 1996 and is licensed by the State of Arizona. Emphasizing a cognitive approach to therapy with the adjutant use of medication, Assisted Recovery has pioneered a new path to recovery. Assisted Recovery has taken ideas that were first used in an academically based research program and established a state of the art recovery program.
The Assisted Recovery Program fully integrates medications with psychosocial support. This type of integrated program is an example of the Pennsylvania Model of Recovery. The model is so named in recognition of the work of the University of Pennsylvania and in particular Dr. Joseph Volpicelli, MD, PhD (author of Recovery Options)
The Pennsylvania Model recognizes that dependence upon alcohol is a biological, psychological and social condition. Further, it recognizes that treatment should address each of these issues in order to enhance a successful outcome. Dr. Volpicelli has compared the three components to a three-legged stool. With all three legs in place, we have a solid and effective treatment program. Take one leg away and the value of the stool as a seat is greatly reduced.
The Pennsylvania Model addresses the biological component with the use of approved anti-craving medications, for example Suboxone® & naltrexone. It must be remembered however, that the medications, while very effective, are not cures in themselves. Rather, they are very effective tools, that greatly assist the recovery process. We understand that many individuals fear the use of medications, especially medications that they are not familiar with. The medications utilized by clients of Assisted Recovery are safe, fully documented and approved by the United States Food & Drug Administration. We are of the view that no one should take unnecessary medication. However, if you have a headache, take an aspirin or similar pain reliever. If you are dependent upon opiates, use the effective medical tools that are available to you.
The Psychological component is addressed primarily with the use of Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy as developed by Dr. Albert Ellis, PhD of the Albert
Ellis Institute of New York City. The reality is that getting an individual
to stop drinking alcohol is the easy part of the recovery process.
The use of anti-craving medications makes it possible for even the most hard-core
users to stop in relative comfort.
Indeed, the most difficult part of the process is learning how to be happy
once again, without the using drugs.
Learning how to deal with not only bad days, but good days.
The third leg or social component is addressed with professional and empathic counseling that assists an individual to address family, relationship, employment and legal issues. Using opiates can be compared to a sandbox. It gives an individual the ability to stick his or her head in the sand, like an ostrich, and gives the illusion that all is well.
Meanwhile, right outside the sandbox is a lion, which roars each time the individual removes his or her head (stops using). More often than not, the individual sticks his or her head right back into the sandbox. The use of counseling or the third leg is a vital component of the process of recovery.
Don't see a program that looks "exactly right" for you?
We'll customize an individual Treatment Plan to meet your needs.
Contact Assisted Recovery today at
(602) 264-7897 or toll free (800) 527-5344
