EDUCATION
WE CAN AND WE WILL
Methadone Treatment
Methadone treatment is widely stigmatized and methadone clinics are not usually welcomed in many communities. Due to some individuals not having a positive experience while at the clinic, along with the community misconception and misunderstanding, many people stay away from seeking help for their addiction. As a result, many individuals continue to experience unlimited negative consequences to themselves, their family and also the community.
We are in the 21st century and despite all the information and research available, we still have professionals dictating over how long a person should stay in treatment or what their dose should be. It is such a cross of professional boundaries causing many people to continue to suffer, feel fear, become dishonest, or just give up seeking help.
Communities deny having a substance abuse treatment center in their back yard fearing not to have “drug addicts” near a school or a hospital and so on. What they do not understand is that “drug addicts” are people like themselves, family members, friends that might suffer in silence, or even die due to having same misconception and misunderstanding about what treatment for addiction is. Second of all, what they call “drug addicts” are already in their neighborhood, near their schools and hospitals, and they are sick at times, becoming ready to do whatever it takes not to feel sick. We would say that is more dangerous than having a substance abuse program that offers helps, support, and a chance to have a healthy and positive life.
Many, many people are getting well through such programs, yet we do not see or hear of them unless they are a meeting or recovery program, due to their fear of being stigmatized or treated differently. Now, imagine: stigmatized because of having an illness, seeking help and becoming a good mother/father, professional, and good member of your community!
So let’s invite the community and professionals over to see what a clinic is and what it does prior jumping and creating barriers to life, wellbeing and humanity.
Why Methadone
Methadone is used to treat opioids as part of an approved treatment program. It helps prevent withdrawal symptoms caused by stopping other opioids. Methadone was originally created by German doctors during World War II. Dr. Marie Nyswander and her husband, Vincent Dole of Rockefeller University were the co-developers of methadone maintenance for the management of heroin addiction. Their research was an outgrowth of her experiences at a storefront Harlem clinic where she was working for the Public Health Service. Her husband, working with addict volunteers supplied by his wife, began administering methadone to them in 1964.
Methadone has been used for decades to treat people who are addicted to heroin and narcotic pain medicines. When taken as prescribed, it is safe and effective. It allows people to recover from their addiction and to reclaim active and meaningful lives. For optimal results, patients should also participate in a comprehensive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program that includes counseling and social support.
What is Addiction
According to American Psychiatric Association, addiction is a complex condition, a brain disease that is manifested by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequence. People with addiction have an intense focus on using a certain substance(s), to the point that it takes over their life. They keep using alcohol or a drug even when they know it will cause problems. Yet a number of effective treatments are available and people can recover from addiction and lead normal, productive lives.
People with a substance use disorder have distorted thinking, behavior and body functions. Changes in the brains wiring are what cause people to have intense cravings for the drug and make it hard to stop using the drug. Brain imaging studies show changes in the areas of the brain that relate to judgment, decision making, learning, memory and behavior control.
What is Recovery
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) established a working definition of recovery that defines recovery as a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential. Recovery is built on access to evidence-based clinical treatment and recovery support services for all populations. A person’s recovery is built on his or her strengths, talents, coping abilities, resources, and inherent values. It is holistic, addresses the whole person and their community, and is supported by peers, friends, and family members.
Mental Health
Mental disorders involve changes in thinking, mood, and/or behavior. These disorders can affect how we relate to others and make choices. Mental disorders take many different forms, with some rooted in deep levels of anxiety, extreme changes in mood, or reduced ability to focus or behave appropriately. Most people that have substance abuse problems also experience mental health issues. The coexistence of both a mental health and a substance use disorder is referred to as co-occurring disorders. It is critical to address both conditions in order to achieve a successful recovery program.
Primary Care
Drug use can have a wide range of short- and long-term, direct and indirect effects. These effects often depend on the specific drug or drugs used, how they are taken, how much is taken, the person’s health, and other factors. Short-term effects can range from changes in appetite, wakefulness, heart rate, blood pressure, and/or mood changes to heart attack, stroke, psychosis, overdose, and even death. Longer-term effects can include heart or lung disease, cancer, mental illness, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and others. Drug use can also have indirect effects on people around individuals that use. This includes affecting a person’s nutrition, sleep, decision-making and impulsivity, risk for trauma, injury, and communicable diseases. Drug use can also affect babies born to women who use drugs while pregnant.
Alcohol and drug use takes a toll on the body affecting physical, mental and spiritual health. Successful recovery requires a comprehensive approach to physical, mental and spiritual well being.
Location
VICTA is located at 110 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907. The location is easily accessible by car or bus. There are plenty of free parking spaces available.
Hours of Operation
DOSING HOURS:
Mon-Fri 5 AM – 11:30 AM
Mon-Fri 5 PM – 7 PM (Coming Soon)
Sat – Sun 6 AM – 9:30 AM
COUNSELING HOURS:
Mon – Fri 6 AM – 2 PM; 5 PM – 8 PM
Saturday 7 AM – 12 PM
IOP Schedule:
Monday, Wednesday And Thursday from 5 PM – 8 PM
For our MD and Psychologist Schedule please contact our office.
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION AND SEE HOW WE CAN HELP
VICTA is open seven days a week to dispense medication to persons served. If VICTA will be closed on Sundays or holidays, prior arrangements will be made to dispense medication to persons served.
Payments And Insurances
We Accept Many Insurances Such As
We also accept self-pay in the form of cash or debit/credit card.