PHILOSOPHY, PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND TREATMENT OBJECTIVES:

It is the philosophy of NHBHC that out-patient opiate agonist treatment is an effective treatment for individuals who are physically and psychologically addicted and dependent on opiates. In addition, it is our philosophy that an out-patient drug abuse counseling program is an effective treatment for individuals who have been addicted or are addicted now and currently abusing drugs.

It is intended that appropriate patients be maintained on opioid agonist for the shortest possible period of time consistent with individual goals and medical consideration. In order to achieve success in treatment, it is necessary to cease all use of illicit drugs and to drastically change a life-style that has previously been devoted to obtaining and using illicit drugs. Opioid agonist treatment is a tool that allows a patient to cease illicit drug abuse. Effective counseling is crucial to the process of relapse prevention and changing a life-style.

Goals for this patient centers around changing life-style as well as around the reliance on opioid agonist medication and the ultimate withdrawal when indicated. Goals for the aftercare patient center around maintaining the illicit drug free existence that has been accomplished. The first few months after withdrawal are crucial time during which many patients return to illicit opiate use, supportive and relapse prevention counseling during this time is crucial. Finally for the illicit drug free patient, the goals will center on issues for remaining free of illicit drugs and coping with temptations to revert to drug use.

We believe that the treatment of family members is integral to the treatment of drug abuse and that an out-patient setting makes treatment more accessible to the significant others in a patient’s life, and that treatment should reflect this belief. Therefore, treatment will not only deal with drug addiction and drug abuse, but also with family relationships, recreation, employment, and any other aspects of the patient’s life which is impacted by his/her drug addiction.

It is our philosophy that the responsibility for personal growth and changes lives with the patient. The relationship between patient and staff is a mutual one; we share the following program objectives and responsibilities:

1. To promote a life free of illicit drug use and addiction
2. To develop self awareness in patients
3. To assist patients in developing alternative behavior to addiction and drug abuse and its subsequent negative effects
4. To assist in the development of positive relationships with family and significant others
5. To assist patients in their rehabilitation to a productive life-style