Medical College of Georgia Program

The Addiction Medicine Program at the Medical College of Georgia offers a multidisciplinary approach to treating individuals struggling with alcohol and substance use disorders. The program utilizes a Comprehensive Addiction Management Program that incorporates Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) designed for adults 18 years and older.

The Comprehensive Addiction Management Program employs Medically Assisted Treatment to help maintain abstinence from substances. This approach aims to reduce withdrawal symptoms, decrease cravings, and block the desired effects of drugs. The IOP is structured over 12 weeks and involves 9 hours of weekly group therapy sessions, complemented by individual counseling and family support, creating a robust support system for individuals in early recovery.

Evaluation and Treatment Programs

A comprehensive evaluation through the Addiction Medicine Clinic plays a critical role in determining the appropriate treatment plan. This evaluation seeks to:

• Identify if there is a drug or alcohol addiction.
• Assess the extent or level of addiction.
• Investigate any co-occurring conditions, including both physical and mental health concerns.
• Evaluate how substance use impacts the individual’s life.
• Establish a baseline for developing a personalized treatment plan.

The treatment programs offered at the clinic include:

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT integrates medications with counseling and behavioral therapies, adopting a "whole-patient" approach to tackle substance use disorders. Research has evidenced that combining medication with therapy improves treatment outcomes. Benefits of MAT include:

• Enhanced patient survival rates.
• Increased retention in treatment programs.
• Reduction in illicit opiate use and other criminal activities associated with substance abuse.
• Improved employment prospects and functionality.
• Elevated self-reported quality of life.

The ultimate goal of MAT is complete recovery, enabling individuals to lead self-directed and fulfilling lives.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

The IOP comprises structured groups that focus on early recovery and relapse prevention. Sessions are 3 hours long and convene three times a week, integrating evidence-based treatments. Important aspects of the IOP include:

• Group counseling sessions.
• Individual treatment planning and review.
• Individual counseling.
• Psychoeducational programming.
• Weekly random drug screenings.
• Pharmacotherapy and medication management.
• Family involvement and counseling.
• Transition management and discharge planning.

Family participation is heavily promoted as it increases the likelihood of successful treatment outcomes. Family members receive education on the recovery process, learn to establish healthy boundaries, rebuilding trust, and understand the disease of addiction.

The treatment services are designed to be primarily delivered during evening hours to accommodate individuals who maintain jobs and reside within their community, thus ensuring accessibility to the program without disrupting daily responsibilities.