SWFAS Launches New Outpatient Detoxification Program

April 16, 2012 - PRLog -- April 16, 2012

CONTACT:

Alejandro Garcia-Barbon         Susan Bennett, APR, CPRC
Southwest Florida Addiction Services   Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L.C.
(239) 338-2977            (239) 277-5255
a_garcia-barbon@swfas.org          sbennett@susanbennett.biz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SWFAS LAUNCHES NEW
OUTPATIENT DETOXIFICATION PROGRAM

Pilot to Aid Those With Opiate Addiction

FORT MYERS, FLA. – April 16, 2012 – Southwest Florida Addiction Services (SWFAS) has launched a new pilot treatment program aimed at helping persons detoxify from opiates on an outpatient basis.
The new Outpatient Detoxification program adds another option for persons addicted to painkillers such as Oxycontin and Oxycodone, two of the leading opiates.  Patients previously only had one choice – the inpatient SWFAS Detoxification Center – if they were experiencing withdrawal from the drugs.
The outpatient program isn’t for everyone, according to Alejandro Garcia-Barbon, director of the SWFAS Detoxification Center.
“The ideal candidate is someone who has a stable home environment, has used opiates within the past 72 to 96 hours, and agrees to follow the eight-week program,” Garcia-Barbon said.
SWFAS initially will have room for seven people in the program.  Cost is $4,000, although there is some public funding for those who qualify, based on family income.
“Our goal here is to help these individuals remain substance-free.  Research has shown that the longer someone stays in treatment, the more likely they are to remain clean and sober. After eight weeks of treatment, they should be developing new behaviors, meeting new people and experiencing new environments,” Garcia-Barbon said.
Chances of relapse should be reduced, he said, which means they are less likely to need more costly residential treatment in the future.  Currently, about 75 percent of the Detoxification Center patients are there for opiate addiction.
Those who participate in the program are expected each week to meet with medical staff, attend three group therapy sessions, one individual counseling session and one case management session.
When medically appropriate, the attending physician will prescribe Suboxone, a medication used to assist detoxification.
For more information about the Outpatient Detox program, call 239-332-9689 or visit www.swfas.org.

SWFAS is Southwest Florida’s leader in the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders.   About 5,000 people annually, from ages 9 to 90, start on the road to recovery with the nationally-acclaimed programs of SWFAS.  SWFAS offers state-of-the-art residential and outpatient facilities for both adults and adolescents from five locations in Lee County and two in Hendry County.  In addition, SWFAS provides detoxification services for adults, prevention programming, and an Employee Assistance Program for about 60 Southwest Florida businesses.  All treatment programs are evidence-based and accredited by CARF.
SWFAS services are not free.  Payment plans are available and, in many cases, private insurance may cover some of the cost of treatment.  Many prevention and treatment services are partially supported by Lee County and state funding to help income-eligible residents.  SWFAS is a United Way agency. SWFAS provides services for all regardless of disability or handicap.  Accommodations will be provided upon request.

30

# # #

Public relations and marketing firm specializing in health care, not-for-profit, and commercial enterprises. 200 awards for excellence. Led by accredited and certified public relations professional. Winner of Grand Image Award for best PR in Florida.