Chemical Dependency

The chemical dependency programs at Alliance Health Center view chemical dependency as a disease that is chronic, progressive and often fatal if not identified and treated.

The physical, mental, social and spiritual symptoms must be addressed in order for this disease to be arrested. Since the speed of the progression of the disease is unpredictable, we feel that early intervention can prevent the person from experiencing the devastating consequences that continue to increase as the disease itself progresses.

Normally detoxification is the first step in the lifelong recovery process. Since the progression of the disease and the negative consequences that accompany the disease are unpredictable, each person's detoxification is individualized according to length of use, substance being abused, and several other factors.

The medical director of the detoxification unit, who is an addictionologist certified in the treatment of addictive diseases, uses cross-tolerant medications to safely detoxify the individual with minimal discomfort. Since our patients have been using a variety of psychoactive drugs, including the oldest drug known to man, alcohol, the addictionologist uses medications that are specific to the drug being used.

The different medications that are used are called cross-tolerant due to the fact that the brain cannot distinguish between their drug of choice and the medication being used in a decreasing manner that greatly reduces the discomfort of the withdrawal process.

The use of medication is only one part of the detoxification process, as certified addiction counselors educate the patient to addiction, recovery and the relapse process. The patient will know the latest information on how to stay drug-free.

Length of stay on the detoxification unit varies according to many factors, but most people complete the detoxfication process in 5-7 days. In some instances, at the patient's approval, they are allowed to stay on a step-down unit for several days to gain more insight into this complicated disease and become relatively comfortable living life on life's terms without the use of mind-altering drugs, including alcohol.

We introduce the person to 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, which have proven over the years to be the best solution to long-term sobriety.