Drug and alcohol abuse is often referred to as our nation’s number-one health problem. Substance abuse is the leading cause of death and disability in the United States, according to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. About 18 million Americans have alcohol problems and between 5 and 6 million people battle drug problems. The toll addiction can take on an individual’s health, family and job is immeasurable.

If you or a loved one struggles with alcohol or drug addiction, know that help is available at Mercy Hospital. Mercy offers a variety of medically based, individualized treatment programs. Because mental health issues and health complications often accompany substance abuse, patients have the security of knowing on-site medical support and psychiatric services are available around the clock.

Overcoming Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Mercy’s Alcohol and Drug Dependency Program (ADDP) offers confidential assistance to adults suffering with alcohol or drug addiction. Our innovative programs take a comprehensive approach to recovery, and are based on the philosophies of successful 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. We also look for potential underlying issues, such as medical or psychiatric problems, that may impact the patient’s recovery.

The hospital provides a coordinated and graduated approach to treatment. Depending on an individual’s circumstances and needs, a patient may be referred to inpatient care, a partial-day hospital program or outpatient treatment and support groups. All programs are offered in one convenient location and are provided under the care and supervision of trained specialists.

At Mercy, our treatment goal goes beyond ending a patient’s drug or alcohol use. We help patients plan for long-term recovery by focusing on relapse prevention and outside support-system development. Here, patients work with a diverse treatment team that includes physicians, highly trained and certified counselors, licensed clinical social workers and registered nurses.

Our Dependency Programs:

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
This flexible group-therapy program can be an introduction to recovery, but is also a follow-up from more intensive treatments. It emphasizes education and relapse prevention. Patients attend two to five sessions per week, based on need. For those able to work while participating in treatment, this program offers education, and group and individual therapy four or five times a week. Patients are expected to attend 12-step meetings as well.

Inpatient Program
This program provides medically managed detoxification with 24-hour nursing care. Each patient receives an individualized treatment plan before discharge or transition to lower-level care.

Continuing Care
These group-therapy sessions build accountability after discharge and help prevent relapse. Sessions are one hour per week for a minimum of 12 weeks and are an adjunct to 12-step meeting participation.

Dual-Diagnosis Program
When someone has a coexisting psychiatric and chemical dependency problem, it is called Dual Diagnosis. Patients with Dual Diagnosis face special challenges that can impact recovery. These include denial, difficulty functioning day-to-day, and difficulty maintaining relationships at home and work.

Mercy’s Dual Diagnosis program is a hospital-based treatment program for people with mental illness and substance abuse problems. The program provides:
• biopsychoscial assessment
• psychiatric care
• medication management
• individual and group psychotherapy
• abstinence support
• relapse prevention
• recreation group
• lunch vouchers

The daily group sessions provide therapy and education, encourage participation in 12-step meetings and enhance primary treatment plans. The group setting allows patients to understand how mental health and substance abuse issues are related and share strategies to overcome their problems.

Partial Hospital Program for Psychiatric Care
The Partial Hospital program is an outpatient, confidential treatment program for chronic and serious mental illness, such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder. The Partial- Hospital Program provides:
• individualized behavioral therapy
• comprehensive psychosocial assessment
• nursing care
• occupational therapy
• social work
• case management
• group and individualized psychotherapy
• medication management and education
• leisure planning
• emergency medical care
• relapse prevention
• lunch vouchers
• transportation arrangements (for patients with IDPA benefits)