Introduction

The philosophy of the Chemical Dependency Program at Fremont Hospital is that chemical dependency is a physical, mental, social and spiritual illness that is considered primary, chronic and progressive and, if left untreated, leads to life threatening conditions.  Treatment combined with active participation in sobriety-based recovery groups is our way of helping to ensure prolonged successful arrest and recovery from addictive substances.  Treatment includes supervision, education, structured journaling, private individual counseling, group therapy and peer interaction.  Combining treatment and abstinence with sobriety-oriented continuing care is a vital part of living a satisfying life, free from addictive chemicals, after leaving our program. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, please contact program manager, Arthur Schubert at (510) 818-6343 or email info@cdiopbayarea.com  Website: www.CDIOPBayArea.com

Chemical Dependency

All patients admitted to the Chemical Dependency Program receive training, education and support.  Treatment incorporates skills training which can help individuals change their painful responses to "triggers" and cravings which, otherwise, serve to maintain a chronic, progressive and addictive lifestyle. All patients are introduced to the Bio-Psycho-Social model of recovery, mindfulness-based interventions and active participation  Patients also learn the value of attending sobriety-based support group meetings and aftercare.  In certain cases, a referral to a physician able to prescribe suboxone, is indicated. 

The clinical goals of our program include:

Abstinence
Decreased Demoralization
Increased Functioning
Bio-Psycho-Social Education
CBT Training
Life Skills Training
Increased Coping Skills
Post Acute Withdrawal Management
Development of Relapse Prevention Skills

Our services  include:

Sub-Acute Detoxification
Assessments and Referrals
Chemical Dependency Medical Screen
Treatment Planning
Individual Counseling
Group Therapy
Family Groups and Counseling
Crisis Intervention
Dual Diagnosis Referrals
Urinalysis and Breath Testing
Support Systems
Discharge Planning
Aftercare Groups for Continuing Care

The Bio-Psycho-Social Model

The Bio-psycho-social alcohol and drug treatment model is an approach that has proven itself over time.  The essence of the Bio-psycho-social model is to treat the biological, mental and social factors that contribute to addiction.  Chemical dependency and addiction affect the cells (biology), as well as thoughts, emotions, relationships and behavior.  We provide training which supports individuals in using better thinking and judgment in moments of distress - when cravings and destructive impulses can threaten to undermine even the best relapse prevention plan. 


Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy emphasizes the important role of thinking in how we feel and what we do.  Cognitive behavior therapists teach that when our brains are healthy, it is our thinking that causes us to feel and act the way we do.  Therefore, if we are experiencing unwanted feelings and behaviors, it is important to identify the thinking that is causing the feelings / behaviors and to learn how to replace this thinking with thoughts that lead to more desirable reactions. Learning to separate thought from emotion in the moment of distress can reduce the potential for relapse in chemical dependency. 
 

Structured Journaling

Structured journaling is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to accelerate personal development.  By getting your thoughts out of your head and putting them down in writing, you gain insights you’d otherwise never see.

While the brain is technically capable of processing a great deal of input simultaneously, the conscious thoughts play out in a certain sequence.  One thought triggers the next, which triggers the next, and so on.  Sometimes these sequences have a few branches, but they’re still subject to linear time and at any given moment, you’re following one of those branches.  These thought sequences have a beginning, middle, and an end, and it’s nearly impossible to see the big picture overhead view of a sequence while stuck in playback mode.

This is where structured journaling can provide huge advantages.  Structured journaling allows you to break free of sequential thinking and examine thoughts from a bird’s-eye view.  When sequential thoughts are recorded in a tangible medium, then it is possible to go back and review those thoughts from a third-person perspective.  While recording the thoughts, you’re in first-person mode.  But when reading them, you can remain dissociated instead of associated.  This dissociative view, when combined with what is already learned from the associative view, will bring you much closer to seeing the truth of your situation.


Flexible Programming

Our Chemical Dependency Program is appropriate for individuals who need the safety, structure and support of a treatment program.  Our flexible schedules with groups that are generally in the evening allow patients to continue to fulfill their obligations at home, work and school, while still receiving the treatment they need to manage their addiction. Below is one typical schedule, although length of time in treatment is adjusted based upon clinical assessments and an individual's unique treatment needs. 

Primary Care:  Five sessions per week for 8 - 10 weeks
Monday - Friday: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Aftercare:  One session per week for one year minimum (no cost)
Friday: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.


 Family Program

The staff at Fremont Hospital understands that family relationships and dynamics can become damaged and break down when one or more members of the family become addicted. We encourage family members to take an active part in the recovery of their loved one and attend our family program one evening a week. Our family program consists of groups and lectures focused on addiction and other related topics to better help the family understand the disease of addiction. In addition, we offer and encourage family session meetings with a therapist to help open the lines of communication that often become impaired due to addiction.

Aftercare

Upon completion of the primary treatment program, continuing care is a vital part of promoting ongoing recovery.  The patient benefits by following the continuing care plan with the same diligence as the counseling portion of the program.  Years of experience has shown that follow-up contacts with the staff, recovery community meetings and the development of personal spiritual principles will help to ensure a successful transition from treatment to private life.  Our usual recommendation is one 90-minute session per week for a minimum of one year (no cost).