Addiction Shatters Lives: The SHARE Program at Memorial Regional Hospital Can Help
April 2004 — From the moment her children leave for school until the moment they return at the end of the day, she drinks. She tries to stop, but convinces herself that one more drink or one more day isn't going to hurt.
His family has left him and he is on probation at work. At least his friends understand him. They still invite him out, and he just uses socially — which doesn't really count. And he only needs a little lift in the morning to make it through the day.
Recognizing yourself or someone you care about in scenarios such as these is the first step to regaining control. "Addiction does not discriminate," says a longtime staff member of the comprehensive SHARE (Share Hope and Recovery Every Day) Program at the Center for Behavioral Health at Memorial Regional Hospital. "Those suffering from addiction look like people we meet every day. And frequency of use does not define addiction."
Being evaluated by experienced professionals who can determine the need for inpatient detoxification and/or outpatient therapeutic treatment is the next step. The SHARE program was specifically designed to help people break free of their chemical dependence, take control of their lives and become aware of the consequences of their substance abuse.
A National Concern
Addiction is a national problem that victimizes individuals, destroys families and plagues our education, legal and social services systems. The number of individuals struggling with substance abuse continues to rise — from 16.6 million in 2001 to 22 million in 2002, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) — affecting every age, ethnic group and social class.
To make matters worse, the fear of exposure and the stigma attached to addiction can push many to attempt to overcome it alone, if not drive them deeper into their substance abuse.While an individual may be willing to enter a program voluntarily, he or she will be more likely to follow through if there is the assurance of total confidentiality in a safe environment. Many employers offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) that adhere to the same federal confidentiality guidelines that programs like SHARE are required to follow.
"Addiction is a disease, and people need support to attain and maintain sobriety," says Barbara Levy, Director of Nursing and Behavioral Health Services at Memorial Regional Hospital. "The SHARE program is successful because treatment focuses on helping patients understand the disease concept, the recovery process and the importance of involving their support system in treatment."
An Environment of Support
The success of many individuals who remain in recovery can be directly linked to programs like SHARE.
For some, detoxification at Memorial Regional Hospital may be necessary to ease withdrawal symptoms before beginning treatment. In addition, individuals who are "dually diagnosed" with mental health and substance abuse problems are identified. "SHARE is a medically based program that also addresses the treatment needs of individuals who are depressed and using substances, thinking it will help," says Levy.
Patients in the SHARE program can choose from flexible outpatient sessions - all held in a private, comfortable and completely confidential setting. The typical course of treatment lasts four to six weeks, and loved ones are encouraged to attend family group sessions.
Following the completion of the intensive outpatient program, patients are eligible to attend weekly Aftercare Support meetings for one year, which incorporate Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 12-step programs.
"During treatment, patients are taught to identify triggers for relapse, to develop a 'safety plan' and to use relapse prevention strategies," says Joyce Myatt, Director of Outpatient Services at the Center for Behavioral Health at Memorial Regional Hospital. "Everyone is strongly urged to continue with a recovery program when they leave Aftercare Support."
A Continuum of Care
The SHARE program is led by a physician and comprised of specially trained therapists and nurses, a social worker, therapeutic recreation specialists and a clinical psychologist. Each member of the SHARE team understands how addiction works, how it affects people's lives and how difficult it is to overcome.
"Recovering from addiction can be a difficult but rewarding journey," says Levy. "It often requires the assistance of healthcare professionals who are committed to the recovery process."
If you or someone you love would like to be free from dependence on alcohol or drugs, call the SHARE program at (954) 985-1455 to learn more.
For a referral to a physician, call Memorial Physician Referral Service toll-free at (800) 944-DOCS. We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.