Substance Abuse Treatment Program

The Substance Abuse Treatment Program at Montefiore Medical Center has been providing services to opiate dependent members of the community for over 35 years. Recently, we opened our New Directions Recovery Center, an intensive outpatient treatment program for individuals who abuse or are dependent on other substances besides opiates. In addition to substance abuse treatment, our two programs provide an array of medical, mental health, and psychosocial services.

Our mission is to improve the psychological and physical health of people dependent on opiates. We do this by providing direct services to our patients, their families and significant others; by educating addicted persons, health professionals, and the community at large, and by influencing policy making and clinical practice through research and program innovation.

Together we can help break the stigma of alcohol and drug addiction. Addiction doesn't discriminate. It crosses all boundaries-it touches the lives of everyone, not just the person with the addiction. Help us to promote a better quality of life in our community.

What is addiction?

Addiction does not only refer to how much a person drinks or uses drugs. Addiction also refers to how drugs and alcohol affect one's ability to meet his/her obligations.

A person may have an addiction if s/he needs to use more drugs or alcohol to get the same effect, uses more than intended, has been unsuccessful in his/her attempts to cut back and/or is experiencing problems with health, relationships, and/or difficulties fulfilling work and family obligations.

What Causes Addiction?

The causes of addiction are multifaceted:

Genetic factors can make an individual vulnerable to addiction
Altered brain chemistry as a result of substance use can lead to physical or psychological craving for drugs or alcohol
Greater reliance on substances to cope with stress
Greater reliance on substance to relieve depression or anxiety
Greater reliance on substances to avoid unpleasant thoughts or feelings

How do I know if I need treatment?

Addiction does not look the same for everyone. If you, or someone close to you, is worried about how much alcohol or drugs you use, it may be helpful to speak to a professional. A professional, such as a medical provider, mental health provider, or substance abuse counselor can conduct an evaluation of your substance use and its impact on your physical and psychological health, your family and social relationships, and your ability to complete family and work/school obligations. Based on the results of the evaluation, a professional can tell you if you need treatment, provide you with information regarding the types of treatment available, and help you find the services you may need.

What Types of treatment are available?

Multiple treatment options are available depending on the unique needs and severity of an individual's substance abuse or dependence. Treatment modalities include:

Inpatient Settings

Detoxification
Rehabilitation
Residential treatment

Outpatient Settings

Detoxification
Rehabilitation
Intensive outpatient
Nonintensive outpatient
MICA day treatment
Medication assisted treatment
Community self help groups

Is Treatment Helpful?

Yes. People can and do recover from substance abuse and dependence. The most successful forms of treatment include medication assisted treatment, cognitive behavioral treatment, motivational enhancement, social support, and skills building approaches. However, "one size does not fit all" when it comes to treatment. More than one type of treatment may be needed before success is achieved. The most effective treatments address all aspects of an individual (i.e., emotional, spiritual, physical, social) and help him/her develop skills and coping mechanisms to maintain abstinence.

Addiction, as with most chronic diseases and attempts to change behavior, can lead to relapse. Should a relapse occur, it is important not to give up. Individuals who resume substance use may quit on their own by utilizing support systems and coping skills previously learned or they may seek formal treatment.

For information contact the Substance Abuse Treatment Program at 718-920-6741.