We believe that long term recovery will most likely include some form of community based recovery support.  The 12-step programs of AA, NA, MA, etc., are the most well established examples of community based recovery support. They are not the only ones, and a client is welcome to find what works best for themselves.  There is some good research that has identified a combination of outpatient treatment and 12-step programs which lead to a higher satisfaction of life.

In most situations there are effective and more successful treatment options using outpatient services. In the cases where an inpatient episode is indicated there is a following outpatient treatment period.

No one person is the same and the progression through treatment varies greatly depending on many factors.  In some cases it could be a matter of one to six individual sessions, or up to 18 months. At the time of your screening and assessment, we will provide you with an estimation of a course. We will provide a new treatment plan at least every ninety (90) days to further identify the progress and work with you on addressing your time in treatment.

We have an evidence based assessment protocol that is going to make recommendations based on your actual needs and risks. There are multiple levels of outpatient treatment we provide, including: early intervention; intensive outpatient; co-occurring outpatient; medically assisted outpatient; and outpatient for women and their children. All our outpatient services are using several evidence based programs to address the individual needs of the client. Some of these programs are Matrix Outpatient Model, Seeking Safety, Helping Women/Men Recover, Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), IDDT and IMR for co-occurring clients.

It is very common for a person dealing with substance use problems to also have an emotional/behavioral history as well. We offer a variety of approaches to address this reality. In some cases we include addressing the concerns as part of the core outpatient treatment protocol and perhaps will refer to an individual therapist in the community for additional treatment. In other cases we have co-occurring treatment programs which are designed to specifically deal with the emotional/behavioral problems in an integrated approach. We have Psychiatrist or Nurse Practitioner on staff to help address mental health medication options. As part of the Behavioral Health Agency, we are able to refer to Mental Health to address severe mental illness concerns.

All quality substance use treatment programs will employ some form of testing as part of an outpatient protocol. The reason for testing is to assist in recovery by giving personal accountability to a client. If there were to be a relapse we know it is best to address it as soon as possible to learn from the relapse and make necessary adjustments. By requiring testing, a client will know there is no point in trying to hide what has happened and can be more forthcoming. In addition, there can be a motivation for a person to see the tangible results of their success as demonstrated by consistent negative test results. Some clients have told us that the knowledge that they will be randomly tested has made the difference when they were contemplating a relapse.

 Naloxone, also known as NARCAN^® is a life-saving medication that is used to reverse an opioid related overdose. Naloxone works by blocking opioid receptor sites, reversing the overdose and allowing the person to breathe. It can be safely administered by laypersons vis nasal spray.

• Anyone can purchase NARCAN^® Nasal Spray directly from a pharmacist without a doctor’s prescription. All major pharmacy chains (such as CVS, Walgreen's, and RiteAid) stock NARCAN^® Nasal Spray, so it’s convenient for you to obtain today.

• Speak to your local medical provider.  NARCAN is FREE with Medi-Cal. Private insurances have varying co-pays.
• You can also go to any of our Drug and Alcohol Clinics to obtain one FREE Naloxone Nasal Kit and a prescription for Naloxone. While you do not need a prescription for Naloxone, a prescription does come with three refills.
• SLO Bangers Syringe Exchange has the intramuscular version of Naloxone for free upon arrival.  It is given in a confidential setting, and is open Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 at the Public Health Department,  2191 Johnson Avenue, SLO.  Call (805) 458-0123 for more information.