Friday, January 11, 2013

Changes to Capital Health Addictions Program



New Model of Care Highlights: The Addictions Program

Our programs are changing to better serve our clients and the citizens of Capital Health district.

Our changes are the result of a thorough review of our programs and treatment outcomes. We compared our services and outcomes with leading evidence-based best practices in addictions treatment. In addition, we consulted extensively with our clients, partners and stakeholders. We made changes to our programs based on our findings.

Our enhanced programs, all of which are based on evidence and best practice in the field of addictions treatment, are designed to give clients the best chance to achieve a healthy recovery. It is our goal to support our clients in:

- completing their recommended treatment or length of stay in programs
- continuing on with recommended follow up care with other services
- actively engaging in setting personal goals for recovery
- gaining skills to prevent relapse and intervening early when relapse occurs
- completing the recommended number of individual counselling sessions and group therapies
- finding longer-term support through participation in recovery groups or other groups available in the community

While some of our changes will give clients quicker access to programs, others may involve clients waiting a little longer to enter a program. But please note that it is our goal that all clients will benefit from these changes by experiencing more effective treatment and improved results from their treatment.

NEW PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

***INTENSIVE TREATMENT SERVICES***

1) Inpatient Treatment Program [formerly called Withdrawal Management Inpatient (Detox) Program]
(For more information and to review a "What to Expect in Inpatient Treatment Program" document, visit: http://www.cdha.nshealth.ca/addictions-program/programs-services/inpatient-treatment-program)

• Formerly, patients stayed 3-7 days and received professional nursing care and medical management of their withdrawal symptoms.
• Now, patients will stay for up to 21 days. The first week will focus on managing withdrawal symptoms and feeling better. During weeks two and three, patients will begin to actively participate in a variety of individual and group therapies, including recreation therapy. Patients will benefit from the care of a professional team of nurses, social workers, psychologist, and recreation therapists, including a navigator, who is available to support patients in accessing needed community resources. During their stay, patients will develop a treatment plan and connect with recommended follow-up care providers (such as a counsellor in the community or staff in our Day Treatment Program), to support their continued healthy recovery.

2) Day Treatment Program (formerly called Day Detox)
(For more information and a "What to Expect in Day Treatment Program" document, visit: http://www.cdha.nshealth.ca/addictions-program/programs-services/day-treatment-program)

• Formerly, clients attended our day program for three weeks and received support, education and group therapy delivered by our professional nursing staff. Clients could join the program any day of the week, and day program could accommodate up to 20 clients.
• Now, clients will attend Day Treatment Program for four weeks. New clients will be admitted only on Mondays, and no more than 15 clients will be registered at any one time. This new structure is designed provide a safe and stable learning and therapy environment for all involved. Clients will participate in a variety of therapy and education groups from Monday to Friday, 9 am - 4 pm, with Friday afternoons free. Clients in Day Treatment Program will benefit from the care of a professional team of nurses, social workers and recreation therapists. During their time with Day Treatment Program, clients will set goals for recovery each day, further develop their treatment plans and connect with recommended follow-up care providers (such as a counsellor in the community or another community resource), to support their continued healthy recovery.

3) Opioid Treatment Program (formerly called Methadone Treatment Services)
(For more information and a "What to Expect in Opioid Treatment Program" document, visit: http://www.cdha.nshealth.ca/addictions-program/programs-services/opioid-treatment-program-methadone)

• The Opioid Treatment Program will have enhanced group therapy options available to clients. Prior to being accepted into this program, individuals are scheduled for a detailed assessment. To learn more about this program, please call our Central Intake team at 424-8866 / 1-866-340-6700.

***COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES***
(For more information and a "What to Expect in Community-Based Services" document, visit http://www.cdha.nshealth.ca/addiction-prevention-treatment-services/programs-services/community-based-services)

• Formerly, clients were required to attend an orientation session prior to attending groups or seeing a clinician.
• Now individuals are booked for their first appointment as soon as they contact our Central Intake team (424-8866 / 1-866-340-6700).
• Another change is that we offer an Introduction to Recovery Group that individuals can begin to attend the same week that they contact our Central Intake team (424-8866/1-866-340-6700).
• Clinicians at our Community-Based Services will offer individual counselling and group therapies using evidence-based therapies that have been shown to give individuals the best chance for a healthy recovery. Typically, clients will participate in approximately six one-on-one individual counselling sessions and will follow that up with participation in 8-12 group therapy sessions. Clients also have the option to take part in other groups and activities, including a variety of educational sessions, recreation and leisure therapies and mindfulness and relaxation therapies. Longer-term support is available through Addictions Program recovery groups or through other groups available in the community.
• We also continue to offer education and support groups for family members and affected others.
• As well, our Stop Smoking Services, Health Promotion and Driving While Impaired/Interlock programs continue to be offered.

Services are free and available to all.

How to Access Services
All clients can access any program or service by calling our Central Intake team at 424-8866 (toll free 1-866-340-6700), which operates Mondays from 8:30 am-8:30 pm and Tuesdays-Fridays from 8:30 am-4:30 pm. Central Intake staff will discuss the nature of each client's dependency and be able to answer any questions about admissions, intakes and treatment options. Learn more at www.gethelpstopping.ca.

***********************

Rachel Boehm
Addictions Program Leader
Capital Health Addictions and Mental Health Program
Rm. 188B, The Nova Scotia Hospital, Purdy Building
300 Pleasant Street, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 3Z6
902-424-8083 / Cell: 902-219-4707

Thinking about change?
Concerned about someone's involvement with alcohol, other drugs and/or gambling?
Our team of healthcare professionals is here to help!
Contact us to learn more, explore options or register for a program.
Call 424-8866 (toll free 1-866-340-6700) or visit www.gethelpstopping.ca

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