From the medical director
Program Sponsor & Medical Director
8/1/11
Bath Salts,contd..."Because these products are relatively new to the drug abuse scene, our knowledge about their precise chemical composition and short- and long-term effects is limited, yet the information we do have is worrisome and warrants a proactive stance to understand and minimize any potential dangers to the health of the public." from NIDA letter from medical director
July 8th, 2011
The increase in numbers of patients receiving and doctors providing
office-based opioid addiction treatment (OBOT) with buprenorphine
pharmacotherapy is a public health benefit as opioid addiction
treatment not only decreases illicit opioid drug use, but also
decreases crime, spread of infectious diseases, and overall mortality. However, with the expansion of OBOT, there
have been increasing concerns about medication diversion and misuse.
Ironically, an unexpected benefit from this is the identification of
suitable form of medication treatment with the previously untreated
patients. Many of our new admissions now admit to having tried
the medication from a friend; and, once they find out how effective it
alleviates the withdrawal, they seek OBOT treatment.
the following article excerpt is taken from NIDA Notes
and is by Sarah Teagle
| Depot Naltrexone Appears Safe and Effective for Heroin Addiction |  |
Research Findings
Vol. 21, No. 3 (April 2007) |
 |
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| |
A long-lasting, injectable formula of naltrexone performed well in a pilot clinical trial.BY SARAH TEAGLE, taken from NIDA Notes Contributing Writer In a NIDA-supported pilot study, a new formulation of naltrexone that patients receive by injection once every 30 days appeared safe and helped heroin-addicted outpatients persevere in treatment. Investigators observed a dose-dependent relationship between the medication, called depot naltrexone, and patient retention rates...more. |
June 8, 2011
Recovery Concepts of the Upstate is over half way into its fifth year treating addiction in the Easley -Greenville area. The last year has been a year of growth in our program size, patients served, staff, and services. We have added more than double our current space to provide more offices, waiting area, and group rooms--very nearly ready to open the space next door. Since this time last year we have added 3 counselors and another nurse.
We have expanded our treatment modalities and medications. We now offer generic buprenorphine to our OTP patients, which represents a significantly lower price to our patients. We now have Vivitrol (depot naltrexone) available for appropriate patients. This is an expansion of its indication which we have been using it for alcohol dependence.
We have become a federally licensed and accredited Opiate Treatment Program with the Centers for Substance Abuse Treatment at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. We received a three-year accreditation with CARF. We continue to offer office based opiate treatment (OBOT) using the DATA 2000 model (Drug Addiction Treatment Act) using Suboxone for appropriate patients.
We have partnered in supporting Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs (CDAP ) at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston (MUSC) which is nationally renowned in addiction research. The research effort at CDAP is an integrated "bench-to-clinic" strategy aimed at achieving and promoting effective treatment programs through the application of the most advanced research findings in the field of substance abuse and dependence.
We continue to support advocacy through FAVOR (Faces and Voices of Recovery) locally. And, of course, we continue to be involved with local AA & NA groups.
It is our goal to develop a presence and purpose in the Upstate area in not only offering affordable, effective treatment for addiction, but also to be a resource in the community, helping to promote awareness, prevention, and help to eliminate stigma and negative attitudes toward addiction.