In order to be admitted into the Colonial program, a patient must present him/herself at a clinic for evaluation. Based on this evaluation/assessment, a patient must be suffering from a distinctly chronic opiate addiction for which the treatment provided is appropriate. At the time of intake, the center's licensed medical director, who alone determines the appropriateness of the patient for admission, conducts a physical examination. At the time of admission, a laboratory work-up is accomplished for each patient, and any resultant medical needs discovered become a treatment referral issue for correction at the appropriate facility. Shortly following admission to the clinic, an in-depth psychosocial assessment is completed. This assessment, combined with other standardized screening tools, is utilized to formulate a mutually agreed upon treatment plan, which the counselor then utilizes to lead the patient through the treatment effort. Treatment plans are utilized throughout the treatment stay and updated periodically and edited as deemed necessary by the primary counselor and the treatment team to ensure the needs of the patient are being met and the goals of the patient are attainable.
Patients are assigned a personal counselor and are seen on varying schedules according to the length of time in treatment and also the responses gained from treatment. We ask that each patient share as much detail of their lives as possible with their primary counselor to ensure a clear understanding of the problems they face and allow the counselor to fully assist the patient toward their ultimate goal of recovery from opiate addiction. Our treatment is “individualized” meaning no two patients are alike or will have the same difficulties associated with their addiction. Our treatment teams will work through each of these issues, and others that arise, throughout each progressive step of the treatment experience.
The counselors routinely monitor the patient's progress by use of random urinalysis, which are taken at least once a month but more often as clinically indicated or as mandated by state rules. As the patient advances through the treatment process and follows the treatment plan as designed, eligibility for reduced counseling sessions and take-home medication will be discussed by the treatment team and if found appropriate, granted to the patient. Strict adherence to the guidelines for these privileges must be followed or forfeiture of these privileges may occur.
During the intake process, some patients are identified as needing additional medical or other services.. If these are outside the center's capability, our staff will provide the needed referral. Such services typically entail medical or dental work, educational or vocational upgrading, employment assistance, pastoral or religious counseling, and support groups and/or mental health counseling. Dually diagnosed patients must continue with psychiatric services to remain in treatment. As an integral part of treatment, the treatment plan and follow up assessments will also be utilized to optimize patient follow through and counselor cognizance.
In summary, any identifiable addiction related problem the patient brings into treatment is addressed. The center establishes and maintains a non-judgmental, caring and compassionate atmosphere in which patients feel free to identify and move to correct personal or societal deficiencies. Our comprehensive outpatient substance abuse treatment consisting of medication, counseling and continuing care has been demonstrated for nearly 25 years with exemplary results. Let us help you or someone you love overcome their addiction and maintain independent and productive lives.