PROBLEM'S NOT ADS, IT'S THE SYSTEM

The Following Is A Counterpoint Column:

Recent news reports that note criticism of the inpatient facility of
Alcohol and Drug Services as having too many vacant beds and too much
short-term treatment ("Officials call for change in rehab," Jan. 7)
highlight the problems created by mental health reform, managed care,
scarce resources and best-practice treatment.

Alcohol and Drug Services (ADS) is licensed to provide non-hospital
detoxification, residential treatment, partial hospitalization and
halfway house services at the facility.

Clients who come to ADS meet with our trained therapists who
interview each individual. Then, based on the American Society of
Addiction Medicine criteria, or ASAM, the client's level of treatment
is determined, as required by the state.

If the client is unable to pay for treatment or has no insurance, ADS
must call the Guilford Center for authorization for treatment. If the
client is found to need inpatient medical detoxification services,
the authorizations are usually for three days. More time may be
allowed if medical risks continue. Only certain "target population"
clients are eligible for detoxification covered services.

Following medical detoxification, a client may be upgraded to
residential treatment if his particular needs match ASAM criteria and
the Guilford Center authorizes treatment.

Most clients leave detoxification and transfer directly to one of our
outpatient sites in either High Point or Greensboro for more therapy,
but again only if and when the Guilford Center authorizes those services.

This is the reality of behavioral health care provided through state
funds. Most clients receive their services on an outpatient basis.

Many people remember the days when addicts could enter facilities for
28 days of treatment often accompanied by participation in 12-step
programs. Now we must use best-practice treatment guidelines.

ADS is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of
Rehabilitation Facilities. We do encourage clients to learn about
and, if they choose, participate in 12-step programs.

Hopefully, as people come to understand how the funds from the state
must be used, their concerns will be directed at the source.

The writer is executive director, Alcohol and Drug Services.