SUBOXONE TREATMENTS
Our program includes two DEA-registered, buprenorphine-waivered physicians, several therapists who specialize in addiction and a knowledgeable and caring support staff.
Who is eligible for the program?
We treat patients over 16 who are of all backgrounds and walks of life. It is important to realize that we do not treat pain; we treat addiction.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No. You may contact our office directly to set up an appointment.
How soon can you see me?
We can often see you as soon as the same week.
What are the requirements of the program?
Our state-approved outpatient opioid-based treatment program takes a compassionate approach to opiate addiction. However, we maintain the strictest adherence to federal guidelines that regulate the dispensing of Suboxone and similar products. Patients must complete weekly urine drug screens with lab confirmation and saliva testing comparisons. They must also participate weekly in group and/or individual therapy.
Are appointments available on nights and weekends?
Yes. Doctors and therapists are available in the evenings and on Saturdays to see patients, and we run multiple groups to provide convenient access to services.
How do the prescription treatments work?
There are different kinds of prescription medication, but in general, the medications attach to opioid receptors in the brain, suppressing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings.
Can I get the prescription without the counseling?
No. The medications and counseling work together. If you fail to attend group and/or individual counseling sessions, you will be removed from the program.
Do you work with pregnant women?
Yes. We offer treatment options to pregnant women, with the goal of a safe tapering plan to reduce risk to the fetus.
What is the rate of recovery?
Medication-assisted treatment of opiate addiction increases the rate of recovery to between 40 and 60 percent. The rate of recovery without medication is 10 to 15 percent.
Are there risks?
Opiate-related side effects such as constipation, nausea and sedation are possible. The largest risk is the potential for diversion; that is, misuse or abuse of the prescription drugs we prescribe. That is why we insist that patients adhere to drug testing and counseling schedules.
Do you take insurance?
Yes, We accept Medicaid, Medicare, Anthem, Aetna and Cigna.
Can I pay cash?
Yes. We offer competitive and affordable cash prices.
Is your program state approved?
Yes. Our outpatient opioid-based treatment program is approved by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Service
INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM
ASSESSMENT
Anderson & Associates' highly trained staff provides expert assessment to ensure patients receive the appropriate level of care to meet their individual needs. Assessment tools include bio psychosocial history, extensive alcohol and other drug use history, urine drug screen, patient and family interview and administration of the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI-3). A formal, written assessment report will be provided if necessitated by a patient's individual circumstance. The need for outpatient medication detoxification or psychiatric services will be determined during the assessment phase.
INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT TREATMENT
Intensive Phase
After the assessment is completed, an individual who is is an appropriate fit for group treatment will be referred to Anderson & Associates' intensive outpatient program (IOP). The maximum group size is small, no more than 12 adults, to ensure individualized care. Readiness for group treatment is determined in the intake interview/assessment process and includes:
Assuring the patient recognizes his or her addiction as a problem
Assuring the patient is ready to commit to change
Assuring the patient does not require a higher level of care
This intensive level of treatment requires group participation at Anderson & Associates nine hours per week. Supplementary involvement in 12-step recovery is suggested during the course of treatment. Anderson & Associates IOP meets Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. Urine drug screens are administered at the beginning of each session. This intensive phase of the program is designed to last 10 weeks, provided the patient meets specific treatment goals established in the individualized treatment plan.
Continuing Care Phase
After the patient completes the intensive phase of IOP, he or she is transitioned into continuing care. This phase of treatment is designed to further the gains made in the first 11 weeks of treatment. Continuing Care includes increased involvement in the patient's established 12-step program, weekly attendance at a continuing care group at Anderson & Associates and individual therapy as indicated.
GROUP STRUCTURE
Traditional Therapies
Anderson & Associates' intensive outpatient program includes proven methods of treatment provded by expert therapists. The core structure of our IOP includes the following weekly groups:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This group teaches patients that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors, as opposed to external things, such as people, situations and events. Patients benefit from learning that we can change the way we think to feel/act better, even if the situation does not change.
Relationship Group: This psychoeducational and interactive group helps patients explore the full effect of addiction on relationships and on the family system as a whole. Dysfunctional patterns of behavior are isolated and addressed within the group framework.
12-Step Group: This weekly group teaches patients about 12-step recovery and is intended to be used as a supplement to regular attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings. Each patient will have completed written work on Steps 1 and 2 before his or her transition into continuing care. In addition, patients learn practical application, on a daily basis, of the principles contained in the 12 steps.
Process Group: This less structured group provides a place for members to work on interpersonal issues. Here, patients begin to become conscious of what's going on inside themselves, how they are interacting with the group and how the group is functioning as a whole.
Music Therapy
Music therapy is a weekly, experiential group that uses music to begin unlocking those potentials that already reside within each individual. Music, spontaneous imagery and the patient's innate potential toward healing all combine in this process to address physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions of recovery.
Auricular Acupuncture
Explained simply, auricular (or ear) acupuncture is a specialized complementary therapy in which acupuncture points on the outer ear are treated, using needles, to help relieve alcohol and other drug cravings and assist in easing the symptoms of detoxification. Patients at Anderson & Associates receive acupuncture on a weekly basis from a qualified auricular acupuncture detoxification specialist.
Yoga
Practitioners of this ancient Indian system of health care use breathing exercises, posture, stretches and meditation to balance the body's energy centers. This complementary approach to mental health care emphasizes the interrelationship among mind, body and spirit, and plays an important role in recovery and healing. Yoga is used in combination with the other elements of our IOP to assist in alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Patients practice yoga on a weekly basis with a certified instructor.
Psychodramatic Techniques
Facilitated on a weekly basis at Anderson & Associates, trained therapists employ psychodramatic techniques, directing dramatic action, in order to examine problems or issues raised by an individual. A highly experiential process, psychodramatic technique facilitates insight, personal growth and integration on cognitive, affective and behavioral levels. This method clarifies issues, increases physical and emotional well-being, enhances learning and helps patients develop new skills.
INDIVIDUAL OUTPATIENT TREATMENT
Individual Therapy
One-on-one therapy sessions provide patients with individual assistance in resolving issues related to substance abuse and/or addiction. We believe that good treatment is a cooperative effort between patient and therapist. Understanding that not every individual is initially in a place to recognize the need for change, we work to meet patients where they are and very simply provide a new lens through which an individual can view the events of the past and present. This approach is respectful of ambivalence and allows the patient to grow his or her own sense of internal motivation to make a change.
Individual sessions are 50 minutes in length. Time in treatment is determined by the need of the individual and the rate at which he or she meets treatment goals. Individuals will be required to submit to random drug screens and breathalyzer tests at any time during the treatment process.
Substance Abuse Education: Individual Setting
Patients with legal entanglements (DUI or DWI) who are referred to Anderson & Associates for assessment and substance abuse education required by the court, but do not meet the criteria for substance dependence, may be eligible for the following service:
Six to 10 weekly, individual therapy sessions to include the following educational elements:
Psychopharmacology, including the physiological effects of alcohol and other drugs
The process of addiction in contemporary culture
Warning signs of abuse or addiction
Basic problem-solving
Communication and stress management skills
Introduction to 12-step programs
Patients participating in individual substance abuse education are required to submit to a weekly urine drug screen and breathalyzer test and must attend 12-step meetings on a consistent basis during the course of treatment.
DETOXIFICATION
Anderson & Associates offers outpatient detoxification from alcohol and other drugs to appropriate candidates under the supervision of the medical director.
Opioid Detoxification
Anderson & Associates uses the drug Suboxone to provide outpatient detoxification to appropriate patients. Patients are required to participate in therapy, attend weekly 12-step meetings and submit to urine drug screens during the course of their detoxification. Individuals seeking an end to opiate addiction will move through the following process:
Assessment and treatment recommendations completed by a qualified therapist.
Referral to the medical director to begin Suboxone (only patients deemed appropriate for outpatient detoxification will be referred).
Immediate commencement of individual and/or group therapy AND 12-step meeting attendance.
A patient who is noncompliant with any element of treatment, including therapy and 12-step meeting attendance, will be discharged.
GROUP
Sitting down with a group of strangers may seem intimidating at first, but patients are often surprised at how rewarding and profound the experience can be. Because of members’ shared experiences, groups make the ideal sounding board for finding answers to difficulties as they arise.
Group process is a powerful tool through which members can both help and be helped. Productive groups provide encouragement, opportunities for reflection, accountability, modeling and guidance to all members.
Anderson & Associates is proud of its unique ability to build and nurture therapeutic groups that provide members with a safe, supporting and understanding respite from their personal challenges.
COGNITIVE
Cognitive therapies help patients connect their thoughts to their emotions and behaviors. Work often begins by tracing undesirable behaviors and feelings to irrational or destructive thoughts, conceptions or assumptions.
“I will always be alone.”
“I’m the world’s worst father.”
“Nothing I do is ever right.”
For many patients, feelings of sadness, self-loathing and shame are fueled by unconscious cycles of extremely negative thought patterns. Before long, they believe these irrational thoughts, which just intensifies the despair. Then, when faced with stressful life situations, it becomes difficult to view things clearly and respond effectively.
Cognitive therapy empowers patients to disrupt these cycles that provoke tension, anxiety, self-harming behaviors and shame. Through moderated practice of these skills, patients develop more flexible ways to think and respond, learning to identify faulty thinking and eliminate beliefs that undermine their well-being.
Large studies have concluded that cognitive therapy can work as well as antidepressants alone to improve mild to moderate depression. Anderson & Associates employs various cognitive tools to challenge our patients’ thinking and help them regain personal control, confidence and emotional health.
PSYCHOSOCIAL
Psychosocial therapy focuses on an individual’s interaction with their social environment. Through discussion, exploration of prior experiences and education, patients are guided toward personal discovery and solutions to individual challenges.
Psychosocial treatments are founded upon positive regard, active listening, and skilled framing of recounted events and experiences. Patients are encouraged to see themselves in the context of their social environment so that they, along with the therapist, can gain insight into interpersonal conflicts and the environmental factors that may play a role.
Through psychosocial therapy, patients strengthen their relationships, develop new interpersonal skills, and gain confidence in their intrinsic strengths and characteristics. They learn to consider both the internal and external factors in stressful situations and to focus on that which is within their control.
Anderson & Associates draws upon years of experience helping patients discover and foster the features of their best selves.
PSYCHODRAMA
Psychodrama uses theatrical tools such as spontaneous dramatization, role play and dramatic self-representation to help participants investigate and gain insight into their lives, allowing them to experience emotions and responses to life’s challenges in real time. By taking therapy from the conceptual to the real, clients get a chance to explore their reactions to difficult situations, past, present and future. Thereafter, they are able to examine their actions and feelings and experiment with alternate ways to confront challenges.
Psychodrama is an effective treatment for a broad range of concerns, as it helps clients process strong emotion and feelings in a safe space.
Anderson & Associates employs psychodrama tools after creating an environment of comfort and trust. Very often this powerful, fun and accessible tool provides a doorway to growth, realization and meaningful transformation.