Meet Carol M. Porto
Carol has over 24 years of experience in the implementation and management of short and long term residential treatment.
She is a nationally recognized expert on substance abuse treatment. She is certified as a Master Addictions Counselor (MAC) by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors. She was one of the first in Maryland to receive a License as a Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
She views addictions treatment as a crusade, rather than a service.
Treatment works!
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NEW BUILDING
We moved to a new 15,000 square feet building in Calvert County located in the Prince Frederick Town Center. We have added beds, now having 48. The building is within walking distance of Main Street. We have a weight room, recreation room for men and women, rooms for handicapped and a chapel. This picture is a view from Fairground Road. |
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OUTPATIENT PROGRAM
Starting December, 2007, we began our outpatient treatment program.
These relapse prevention training groups meet each Monday from 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM. The group facilitator is a masters level, licensed, 30 year veteran in addictions treatment.
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| PROBLEMS WITH RX PAINKILLERS?
We offer Suboxone maintenance therapy. This therapy is available to those who are addicted to opiate pain medication, such as OxyContin, Percocet, other opiates and heroin. Dr. Lisa Hadley is a psychiatrist on staff especially trained in Suboxone. Those who experience opiate withdrawal symptoms (like a severe flu with anxiety and cravings), will have relief of those symptoms during their first appointment.
Usually (evening) appointments are available within three working days of request. If meeting specific criteria, appointments can occur within 24 hours. Patients must be screened on the phone.
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INTERVENTION
People with alcoholism or addiction to other drugs can be defensive and out of touch with reality.
An intervention brings together concerned people and trains them to present reality to the addicted person in a caring way. Our team guides families, friends, employers and others through a process that increases the likelihood that the addicted person will accept help. We completed training on conducting interventions for five of our most seasoned counselors.
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RESIDENTIAL 28 DAY PROGRAM
We continue to operate our unique, intensive 28-day program. We provide high quality substance abuse treatment for people with addiction to alcohol and/or other drugs. Treatment includes over 95 hours of direct care. There is the unique option for work therapy while in residence. This has been a popular program for DWI offenders. We have an 80% success rate.
Those using health insurance in other inpatient programs usually are authorized by their insurance provider for 5-10 days; thus, often transfer bed-to-bed to this program to assure they have the longer stay in residence that most need. We do not take insurance.
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HALFWAY HOUSE AND EXTENDED CARE
In addition to the 28 day, we have two longer term State-certified programs. The minimum length of stay is 60 days, but patients can remain for as long as necessary. Most stay four to six months.
The primary focus is relapse prevention training and involves patients learning all the tools of recovery from addiction and practicing using them. We support job searches and do job counseling. Some employers are within walking distance.
We encourage twelve step participation. Local AA/NA meetings are within walking distance and the recovering community is very welcoming to our clients.
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| Carol Porto MA, MAC, LCADC
Program Director
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