It is intended that appropriate patients be maintained on methadone for the shortest possible period of time, consistent with that individual's goals and medical consideration. In order to achieve a drug-free state, it is necessary to cease all use of illicit drugs and to make the drastic life-style changes necessary to prevent a return to a life of drug abuse. Effective counseling is crucial to this process.

Goals for the methadone patient center around changing the life-style as well as around the patient's reliance on and detoxification from methadone. Goals for the aftercare patient center around maintaining the drug-free existence that has been accomplished. The first few months after detoxification are a pivotal time, during which a patient may return to opiate use. Supportive counseling during this time is crucial. Finally, for the drug-free patient, goals will center around issues of remaining drug-free and coping with the temptations of reverting to drug use.

We believe that the treatment of family members is integral to the treatment of drug abuse, and that an outpatient setting makes treatment more accessible to the significant others in an individual's life. We also believe that drug abuse impacts all aspects of an individual's life, and that treatment will not only deal with drug abuse, but also with family relationships, recreation, and employment, in addition to other facets of everyday life.

It is our philosophy that the responsibility for personal growth and changes lies with the patient. The relationship between patient and staff is reciprocal in that we share the following program objectives and responsibilities:

• To promote a drug-free existence.
• To develop self-awareness in patients.
• To assist patients in developing alternative behavior to drug abuse and its subsequent negative effects.
• To assist in the development of positive relationships with family and significant others.
• To assist patients in their rehabilitation to a productive life-style.

For more information about our program, please email us.