Treatment Philosophy
The CORR theory base is that substance abuse is a bio-psycho-social disease.
To characterize, substance use disorders develop when individuals that are bio-psycho-socially susceptible to addiction begin using mind-altering substances that activate an addictive brain response. A substance abuser’s brain chemistry’s shift is extremely pleasurable and positively reinforces the continued use of substances (alcohol and/or drugs). When the substance abuser stops using, the brain chemistry becomes erratic and creates dysphoric feelings that negatively reinforce abstinence.
The CORR approach to substance abuse treatment is based on a number of elements.
- Substance abusers need dignity and respect during the course of treatment.
- Recovery is a long-term developmental process.
- Relapse does not mean treatment failure.
- Problems related to substance use, and recovery from these problems, are the result of an interaction between the individual and the environment in which he exists.
- Programs need to be staffed by multi-disciplinary treatment teams whose members share a common knowledge of the principles and practices of addiction-specific treatment.
- Recovery is an experiential learning process within a reference group that maintains practices and values that support desirable behavior, and discourages undesirable behavior.
- That substance use disorders are chronic and lifestyle-related health problems that require consistent long-term care, keeping clients in treatment for an adequate period of time at a level of care appropriate to their recovery needs; and making services readily available during all stages of recovery and within a reasonable period of requested time.
- Initial motivation is not related to treatment outcome and uses the adverse physical, psychological, social, legal, or economic consequences as intervention points to create motivation during treatment.
- Utilize manualized clinical systems that include reading assignments, journal assignments, self-assessments questionnaires, group and individual counseling sessions.
- Treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment and individualized treatment plan that is regularly updated.
- We focus on teaching the knowledge and skills needed to build an abstinence based lifestyle.
- Use alcohol/drug testing as an adjunct to, not a replacement for, treatment.
- Recognizes that individual client characteristics are important to recovery and matches individual problems to appropriate methods of treatment.
- Recognizes the appropriate medication management may be needed for some people with substance use disorders. Medication is especially important for clients suffering from symptoms of detoxification or a co-occurring mental health disorder. Medication management needs to be provided as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes counseling, psychotherapy, and the use of self-help groups.
- Utilizes relapse prevention education, aftercare activities, appropriate referrals; supports the use of self-help groups, and when needed, psychotherapy as long-term options in remaining abstinent.