Our philosophy is based on the premise that addiction is a treatable disease that has biological, psychological, social and spiritual components. Accordingly, we have designed our treatment programs to address the four factors listed above that promote the addiction process. We take pride in our ability to offer customized counseling services to our customers. When you visit us, you can expect to receive courteous and respectful interaction with our professional staff. Initially, each client will receive a comprehensive evaluation, which is a carefully designed history of the client’s strengths and areas that need change to promote recovery from the addictive process. Based on the comprehensive evaluation, the professional counseling team will design a course of treatment based on the needs of the individual.

Our treatment consists of individual and group counseling. A client can expect to meet with a counselor for individual counseling on a weekly basis and attend counseling group(s). In the initial stages of recovery, treatment is focused on assisting the client to establish an alcohol and drug free lifestyle. In other words, we address the biological component of addiction, which may include the use of medicine if recommended by our medical team. In the initial stages of counseling we use cognitive behavioral modification in conjunction with concepts used in 12-step self help programs. Our programming is gender specific, which means we separate the men from the women. The separation of the sexes in treatment allows us to address gender specific issues for both men and women.

Once the client is physically stabilized, then the focus shifts to the psychological, social and spiritual factors that feed addiction. For example psychological factors such as trauma, loss and unresolved grief will be addressed in treatment. Similarly, social and familial forces are included in the discussion to help each individual understand his or her history in a way that becomes useful in the recovery process. Finally, the spiritual realm is perhaps the most significant element on the road to recovery. The search for meaning and order in a chaotic world is true for all humans and it is particularly critical for those in recovery from addictions.

Basic Recovery
We have groups that are strictly focused on management of the physical aspects of addiction. In these groups clients learn the basics of establishing and maintaining abstinence from alcohol and other drugs. After establishing a physical recovery, the client can expect to move to a group that is suitable for addressing his or her psychological, social and spiritual needs. Included in basic recovery is the learning of relapse prevention strategies and learning to participate in some form of recovery based self-help group such as those found in a 12 step program.

Dual Diagnosis Program
For individuals with experiences of depression or anxiety, or any other mental health disorder, we offer specialized treatment that is designed to help the individual to simultaneously manage the symptoms of the addiction and the mental health disorder. Our Medical Director provides psychiatric consultation and referral to mental health counseling if necessary.

Spirituality Program
The focus of this group is to explore the numerous spiritual paths that humans can take and find useful in their daily lives. Most importantly, we help our clients understand the basics of the spiritual program found in the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and other similar 12-step Programs. We also offer a group for individuals who prefer the use of the Bible in their recovery process.

Gender Specific Program
In this program, the focus is on addressing issues that are unique to each gender. Men and women are separated into men’s and women’s groups to allow participants the freedom to explore topics that include but are not limited to the following: childhood trauma, sexuality, relationships, marriage, parenthood, anger, grief and loss.

Professionals Program
For individuals with professional licenses including but not limited to medicine, nursing, social work and law, we offer a program that focuses on the special needs of professionals. This may include assistance in retrieving a suspended license but more importantly, the program is specifically designed to include aspects of a professional’s life that may adversely impact recovery.

Family Program
This program is offered to customers with addiction issues as well as those who are related to an addict. The program is based on the assumption that psychological, social and spiritual elements of addiction affect the entire family. This means all members of a family function in a similar fashion in those areas of their lives. This program helps clients understand the nature of their self defeating behaviors that were learned growing up with an addict or currently living with one. Simultaneously, new behaviors are learned and practiced.

Adolescent Program
The Adolescent Program is for youth up to age 18. Admission will be determined by an evaluation. Treatment consists of individual and group counseling. Please call for more information.

Recovering Professionals Program
The Recovering Professionals Program began in 2001 with the intent of serving the needs of professionals. The program provides advocacy and treatment to lawyers, nurses, teachers, professors, executives, pharmacists and other professionals. We believe that addiction poses unique problems to a professional and our program strives to find the right solutions for each individual.

We have helped many professionals attain their goals, which include:  

  • Begin a program of recovery from addiction
  • Establish a community support system
  • Reinstate or maintain professional licenses
  • Remain employed in chosen field
  • Explore impact of addiction on family and personal relationships
  • Explore impact of addiction on mental and physical health  

Our program is voluntary and confidential. In addition to alcohol and substance abuse services, we provide psychiatric consultation for individuals who are experiencing mental health difficulties such as depression and anxiety that co-occur with addiction to alcohol or drugs.

 


ALCOHOL & DRUG COUNCIL OF TOMPKINS COUNTY, INC.
201 EAST GREEN STREET, SUITE 500
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
(607) 274-6288
A UNITED WAY AGENCY

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Updated: April 2, 2008