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Editorial From the Director
Over the years, our legislators' attitude toward substance use disorders determined the ups and downs as to treatment availability for those who have a problem with alcohol and/or drugs. There's a pendulum that swings even without economic downturns. Billions have been spent on stopping illegal drug flow into the country and much less on treating those who are addicted.
The logic of why funding needs to be reversed escapes the ears of the lawmakers.
Successful treatment of any group of people addicted to alcohol or any other drug ultimately saves local, regional, state and national government billions of dollars.
Consider how one person with addictive illness impacts his or her community.
The usual impacts include 911 calls, emergency room or hospitalization, legal issues, court activity, vehicle crashes, public health services, social services (child neglect, homelessness). Then there is the cost to which you cannot put a dollar amount. Safety in the community and/or destruction of the family. Families experience emotional pain living with a member who has addictive illness. They are often in debt due to attempts to help or having the member so ill they steal from them. We cannot measure the impact on a parent, spouse or child of one who is addicted. They are traumatized.
The pendulum swings toward making treatment available for everyone and then back when lawmakers heads are turned toward putting the money elsewhere. Sometimes a politician simply wants to get re-elected. Locally, they may support funding a major sports center rather then addictions treatment. They somehow think those addicted and their families don't vote.
Sometimes the pendulum swings toward addressing a specific population. Over the years, they have focused on specific target groups such as those who are pregnant, those with HIV, illicit drug use only, prisoners or local jail inmates, the homeless. Never is the funding available for all these groups. Most, in fact, are excluded.
Attempts by advocates to show legislators where they can find money consistently fail. Examples of attempts include applying revenue from alcohol taxes or DWI fines toward alcohol treatment.
It has been shown again and again...it costs government more to focus on other projects including interdiction rather than on treatment and prevention for substance use disorders. Despite clear, clean science that shows this is a chronic medical illness, sometimes fatal, some still harbor the belief it is volitional and those addicted are immoral.
The National Institute of Drug Abuse, The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration have shown this is not true, but the attitude of lawmakers and some in society prevail. The pendulum swings.
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Our alumni are our second source of referrals. Hear what they and their families are saying about the Carol Porto Treatment Center and how our program has changed lives. Our staff is always ready to receive your inquiries: Local: (410) 535-8930; Metro: (877) 535-8930; info@portotreatment.com |
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| TESTIMONIALS
From a mother - "I can't tell you how wonderful it is to see "my" son again. He is a different person than a month ago. I know this is only the beginning but I feel that he is well on his way to being a happy, complete, drug free person".
From a family - "Life is filled with good people and we found the best! Everyone at the Center goes beyond an extra mile. You all have enabled (client's name) and he uses the tools he was gifted with at your treatment center".
From an alumni - "Just wanted to thank you and your staff for the awesome things you all have taught me!! I will use them for the rest of my life".
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COUPLES AND FAMILY COUNSELING NOW AVAILABLE
Due to numerous requests, next month we will add a new service for couples and family. Sessions will be offered Friday evenings and Saturdays. Our gifted family counselors will be available by appointment.
This new program will be added to the other services we currently offer for substance use disorders as well as gambling assessments treatment. They include:
- hybrid 28-day model
- extended stays
- halfway house
- burprenorphine (Suboxone) maintenance
- outpatient sessions for pain pill/opiate addicted patients
- traditional outpatient
- psychological and neuropsychological evaluations
- psychiatric evaluations (for residential patients only)
- interventions
- free phone screenings
- speakers
- training events, upon request
To inquire about any of these services, please call Doris or Carol at 410.535.8930 or email info@portotreatment.com. |
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WE NOW HAVE A RECOVERY BOOKSTORE
Our bookstore shelves have
- AA/NA Books
- Meditation Books
- Jewelry
If you are interested in purchasing any of these items, please call Jennifer at 410.535.8930 or email info@portotreatment.com. |
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Why can't I use my insurance for treatment in your program?
- Most insurance companies will not authorize this level of care for substance use disorders. They tell you that you have the benefits, but do not tell you they have to be pre-authorized. To be authorized you must be of need for major medical attention; the provider has to be on the panel and the average authorization is for ten days.
- How do I get treatment when I don't have any money?
- There are several options.
- The state gives county health departments money for those who can document they have no ability to pay. The upside is they can place you where they determine you need to be and pay for it, if you qualify. The downside is you must demonstrate that you have tried outpatient and failed, then tried intensive outpatient and failed or had numerous inpatient programs and failed, or be medically or psychiatrically so compromised, you cannot make it in outpatient or intensive outpatient.
- Another option is to rally family and/or friends or church to help you. Assure them they can pay the program directly so they do not worry you will take the money and use it on drugs.
- If you are not legally involved, The Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse considers applications for 28-day funding, if you are a Calvert Resident. We will do an evaluation at no cost and help you apply. Call and we will help you determine what other options you may have.
- How can I go into rehab treatment and not lose my job?
- You can continue to work while you are in residential treatment. We designed a very intensive program around a normal workday, weekday job. You live at the facility, leave for work Monday through Friday and return as soon as you are off, or no later than 6:00 PM. All your treatment is at 7:00 PM on weekday evenings and all day Saturday and Sunday. You receive 54 hours of direct care.
- I only want to come into residential treatment because I got a DWI or because my family is nagging me. I have to really want it for myself for it to work, true?
- False. Studies have compared a group of patients coming in because they really want to, with groups forced in by some outside influence. Both groups of patients have the same outcome. Our philosophy is there is no wrong reason to come into treatment. Just come.
- What if I come in and decide not to stay? Will I get my money back? Yes, we will refund it, less $300. However, if you leave during the first week, we must retain an additional $875. Why? We have your bed space already reserved for longer and cannot fill it until the next Friday admission. Please note we have the lowest "walk-out" rate of any similar program in the State.
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| Carol Porto MA, MAC, LCADC
Program Director
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