Medically Assisted Treatment

Addiction to opioids is a medical, brain-related disorder to be treated like any other disease. 35 years of research and clinical practice have proven the efficacy of medication in conjunction with individual and group counseling as treatment for heroin abuse. Maintenance treatment with Methadone, Revia, or Suboxone enables many BCCS clients to stop their harmful drug use.

As used in maintenance treatment, methadone is a safe and effective medication for opiate addiction that is administered in regular, fixed oral doses. Methadone is not a substitute drug for heroin; it works gradually to reduce desire for, and block the effects of, heroin. Brandywine's program meets federal accreditation standards and utilizes clinical best practices.

Medical Services

Our medical staff provides physicals, lab work, referrals for specialized services, and case management for chronic disease and pregnancy. A certified phlebotomist draws blood work. A private testing laboratory screens for hepatitis and other STDs.

 Counseling

5 Questions: Meet the MAT Staff Karen Barker, Account Manager Kim Ortiz, Nurse Darlene Pezzullo, Nurse

• Our team of certified drug and alcohol assessors and counselors, group facilitators, psychologists and psychiatrist provide intervention, education, and referral to self-help groups.

• A variety of resources focus on the needs of specific populations, including a Hispanic program.

• A professional and caring environment affords our clients the utmost dignity and privacy.

 Treatment Plan

• After admission to Brandywine, an individualized treatment plan is developed within the first 30 days. This plan is updated every 90 days unless an earlier intervention is needed.

• Though it is not a decision we make lightly, some methadone patients may remain in treatment the remainder of their lives, and that is medically acceptable. This decision is only reached after numerous consultations between the patient and treatment team and/or failed attempts at detoxification.

• Discharge planning is conducted with the client prior to their leaving treatment. Aftercare/referrals are made based upon the client’s identified needs.

For more information about Medically Assisted Treatment, please contact Janice Sneed at 454-3020.

• Some of our methadone patients benefit from an intensive outpatient approach to treatment. They are long term drug users with multiple vulnerabilities. Once enrolled in methadone maintenance, they are able to stop using heroin but continue to use other drugs such as cocaine. Their lack of abstinence results in discharge from the methadone program, and often leads to relapse.

• Intensive Outpatient services provide a higher level of care that helps these patients set and work toward their goals for recovery. They attend group therapy for 3 hours, 3 days a week, and also have increased individual counseling.

• BCCS staff selects appropriate candidates for the program based on consistent attendance, effort in previous treatment programs, medical approval, and compliance with other agency requirements.

• Since its introduction in 2009, the IOP Program has helped several long-time drug users provide their first ever negative drug screen and achieve significant success in sobriety.

For more information about the Intensive Outpatient Program, please call 656-2348.

Last updated August 24, 2010  

Home    About Us    News    Jobs    Find Help     Programs     Success Stories     Client Info    Blog    Staff & Board    P2R    Links    Donate    Contact Us

© 2010 Brandywine Counseling & Community Services, Inc. All rights reserved.

Staff Login