Treatment for Addiction is not a “One Size Fits All”.
Someone you care about is drinking too much and/or doing drugs. You see them getting worse. It’s like you don’t know who they are anymore. They are breaking your trust, failing in their responsibilities; you talk to them …but nothing. What can you do? You know they need help but what kind? In-patient? Go away for 30 days or more? Outpatient so they can keep their job before they lose it?
It can be difficult to determine what level of care a person requires. We hear many families that call and say they need to go away for 90 days to a year. Or the opposite, they just a little help on an outpatient basis.
In order to be effective, the services need to match the severity. You wouldn’t want to have a cast on your entire leg for 4 months if you only sprained your ankle and soft support wrap for 3 weeks will do. The same is with addiction. All licensed treatment providers use the standard: The American Society of Addiction Medicine Placement Criteria (ASAM).
A New Approach to Addiction Treatment
Centers such as The Phoenix House can typically determine a lot with a 10-15 minute phone call by asking specific questions to determine the scope and depth of just how far into their addiction the person is. This is followed by an in-depth Bio-Psychological-Social assessment.
Use this Simple Quiz to Determine if there is a Real Problem
If you are not sure if there is a problem or not (should I call or should I let it go?) Consider the CAGE test. This test has been slightly modified to include the use of drugs. It was originally designed for alcohol but we can include drugs as well. Ask the following questions or have the person in question answer them:
- Have you ever felt you should Cut down on your drinking or partying/use of drugs?
- Have you ever been Annoyed when people have commented on your drinking or drug use?
- Have you ever felt Guilty or badly about your drinking or drug use?
- Have you ever had an Eye opener first thing in the morning to steady your nerves, get rid of a hangover, or prevent from getting sick?
Score one point for each yes on each answer.
If you scored 1, there is an 80% chance you’re addicted.
If you scored 2, there is an 89% chance you’re addicted.
If you scored 3, there is a 99% chance you’re addicted.
If you scored 4, there is a 100% chance you’re addicted.
As you can see if the person answers even one question with a yes, we encourage you to call Phoenix House and speak with their staff regarding the person in your life who needs help.
1-800-DRUG HELP (800-378-4435) or visit online at www.Phoenixhouse.org
Major Insurance Plans Accepted.
