May 11, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COOPERATION, NOT AFFILIATION
Thom Montgomery, Ph.D. CADC
Position
As a treatment program, Brookside Institute fosters an open door policy in relation to other treatment programs, methods and ideologies. While we consider our Brookside Institute Protocol as the best approach for most, we recognize that no single entity represents the only method of recovery.
Many clients fear that treatment will include a dogmatic approach to recovery. We wish to assure you that this is not the case.
We recognize that clients come to us at various stages of the disease process. We further recognize that at each stage, as the disease progresses and gets worse, remedies must be adjusted.
What works for the late stage addict may not work for the early stage addict, who has yet to encounter the drastic, psychologically damaging affects of addiction to the same extent as the late stage addict.
Our primary purpose is to provide the latest and best in primary treatment. For each client we complete a full physiological and psychological assessment, and develop individualized treatment plans for each client.
During primary treatment, clients may expect, and will be given the opportunity, to experience a wide range of supportive services. We begin with our own basics: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and medication to reduce cravings and ease the withdrawal effects of some drugs. As we expand our assessments from the initial biopsychosocial assessment and medical history and physical to the more sophisticated rEEG assessment, we get a clearer picture of what will work best for each client.
Based on our assessments, we develop an initial treatment plan, which is reviewed regularly for effectiveness and appropriateness. Our initial treatment plan may or may not include referrals for additional assistance, such as health, occupational, or family counseling. Throughout the course of treatment, we may make additional referrals, based on each client's particular needs.
Such referrals do not constitute an endorsement or connection- outside referrals are fully independent of Brookside Institute.
We do, however, cooperate fully with a variety of programs, all of which are designed to assist each client in attaining the maximum recovery.
Of particular interest and concern to many of our clients is our attitude towards traditional support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, subsequent 12-step based programs, Moderation Management, and Rational Recovery, among others.
Our position is simple: Cooperation, not affiliation.
This means that while we see the value inherent in traditional approaches, and do not exclude the use of such approaches, our focus is on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy coupled with the latest technological and medical assistance.
Our goal for each client is two fold: to assist each client in breaking the destructive patterns that have led to the current crisis and need for help, and to assist each client in forming a plan for ongoing growth and recovery.
During treatment, clients are expected to participate fully in the group and individual sessions which utilize Cognitive Behavioral methods, and to follow through with recommendations for physical stabilization based on the full history and physical obtained at entry and rEEG exam results.
Once a client completes primary support, the issues are different. Change and growth may be a temporary phenomenon, and in order to promote continued growth and change, and to sustain the changes and growth already achieved, we do recommend a variety of individual and group approaches.
1. Ongoing professional therapy : For some clients, the treatment process opens up areas and issues which require ongoing assistance. Some family problems and some mental and physical health issues persist beyond the early stages of recovery, although the immediate addictive issues are swiftly being resolved. For such persons, we may make additional professional referrals.
2. Naltrexone and Alumni Groups : Many of our clients find that attendance at Alumni or, in some areas, Naltrexone support groups to be sufficient for ongoing recovery support.
3. 12- Step Support Systems : Clients who have no issues with the 12- step approach may continue to utilize such groups for ongoing support. The benefits of attendance are appreciated at Brookside Institute.
4. Alternative Support Systems : For those persons who find the 12- Step approach too dogmatic or foreign to their belief system we offer information on a variety of alternative support groups, such as Rational Recovery or Moderation Management.
5. Informal Support Systems : Support groups which do not focus on addiction, but do offer a range of self and family support, such as church groups, men's or woman's issue groups, and youth groups may also be assessed through Brookside Institute.
In brief, we have no argument with the other approaches. What works best for most is individualized care, and we believe there is a place for a wide range of treatment options.
Contacts:
E. Keith Owens, Director
Brookside Institute
Phone: (949) 679-7425
Fax: (949) 679-7428
owens@brooksideinstitute.com
Brookside Institute
