Drug addiction, also known as Chemical Dependency, is a term that refers to a disease of the nervous system which is manifested by a loss of control over the use of a substance such as drugs or alcohol, which results in problems from its use and may be accompanied by withdrawal symptoms when the substance is discontinued. A person suffering from drug or alcohol addiction may experience cravings for drugs and alcohol and continue to use the substances despite adverse consequences. Each substance can carry the risk for misuse, abuse, dependence and even death.

The abuse of drugs and alcohol may result in both physical and psychological injury and illness, including liver damage, heart problems, infections such as AIDs, legal problems, divorce, alienation from children, financial loss, depression, panic attacks, hospitalization, memory loss(both acute blackouts and actual brain injury that may be permanent) and multiple injuries. Patients may develop physical, mental and emotion pain.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Disorders
1. Alcohol Dependence
2. Sedative Hypnotic Dependence
3. Opiate Dependence
4. Stimulant Dependence
5. Marijuana Dependence

The Recovery Road Drug Abuse and Chemical Dependency Treatment Program provides structured training and group support to assist patients in becoming chemically free of mood altering drugs and alcohol. The treatment program utilizes daily structured activities divided into education and skills training groups and process groups. Treatment patients utilize daily thought and mood logs to assist them in learning cognitive behavioral therapy skills. Patients practice stress management techniques that include relaxation training as well as learning how to take time out, share their feelings and concerns and to ask for help. The group modality assists patients in dealing with the shame and guilt that goes with alchol or drug addiction.

Patients are expected to also attend 12 step groups, get a sponsor and work the steps in parallel with the Recovery Road Program. It is expected that the training the patient receives at Recovery Road will provide needed skills to assist the patient in progressing through the 12 steps. Twelve Step participation is emphasized as an essential part of ongoing recovery.

Patients meet weekly with their program counselor to monitor their progress towards their goals in their drug and alcohol treatment plan. One of the Medical Directors also meets with the patients weekly regarding medication and medical concerns. Patients who are seeing other counselors and/or psychiatrists may continue their treatment with those providers during this program.

All patients receive weekly random urine drug testing.