New Hope for Addiction
Spotlight on the Charles O'Brien Center for Addiction Treatment
The University of Pennsylvania Health System is a national leader in the diagnosis, management and treatment of addictive disorders. Penn physicians are vanguards of addiction research, giving patients access to the latest and most innovative treatments.
U.S. News and World Report has ranked the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine among the top three research-oriented medical schools in the nation, and has listed the Drug and Alcohol Abuse specialty program as number six in the nation.
Founded by Charles O'Brien, MD, PhD, one of the most preeminent addiction researchers in the world, the Charles O'Brien Center for Addiction Treatment at the University of Pennsylvania Health System is an outpatient facility offering state-of-the-art addiction treatment provided by nationally renowned experts in the field. Treatment is available for all addictive substances, including alcohol, cocaine, heroin, pain killers and marijuana.
As part of Penn Behavioral Health, the center's goal is to provide the highest quality treatment, assisting patients with their recovery and remaining sober while regaining control of their lives.
A Comprehensive Evaluation
At their first visit to the O'Brien Center, new patients receive a complete assessment of their addiction and physical and mental health, as well as any stressful events that may be affecting their lives. Performed in a supportive environment, this evaluation allows the treatment team to gather information on medical and psychiatric complications, difficulties in various realms of functioning, and patients' readiness for change.
In addition, the doctors also identify the strengths that will aid the patient in achieving recovery. Because family members can be a powerful source of support, patients have the option to have their family participate in the assessment.
A Targeted Plan
Following the evaluation, the treatment team meets with the patients to discuss the team's recommendations and answer any questions about the treatment process. Nothing is set in stone – support is flexible and treatment is adapted to every patient's changing needs. Typically, treatment is most intensive at the onset and tapers off as recovery is achieved.
The center's compassionate treatment team believes in treating the whole person, not merely the addiction. According to Charles Dackis, MD, director of the Charles O'Brien Center for Addiction Treatment: “Treatment is tailored to the patients' circumstances – their addiction, how open they are to change and how serious their addiction is.”
The treatment approach fully integrates the psychological and biological interventions that are most likely to lead to sustained recovery. Since addiction is a biological disorder, medications are often prescribed to reduce cravings, block the rewarding effects of drugs and alcohol, and normalize brain function.
“Recent scientific findings indicate that addiction is a disease of the brain and new cutting-edge, innovative treatments continue to be developed,” says Dr. Dackis. Physicians at the O'Brien Center utilize buprenorphen, a new treatment for heroin and painkiller addiction, naltrexone, acamprosate and topiramate for alcohol dependence, as well as promising agents (e.g., modafinil and topiramate) for cocaine dependence.
As an added benefit, physicians at Penn are on the cutting-edge of medical research. Their involvement in clinical trials allows them access to breakthrough medications as soon as they are available.
Depending on the patient, treatment may also include individual therapy, group therapy, or family meetings designed to provide education and improve relationships. If needed, the center staff can coordinate the treatment of addiction along with anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns.
Enduring Results
Patients receive support and specific guidance to help with “real world” stresses and challenges throughout the treatment process. In addition, because outpatient treatment is provided without the artificial security of an inpatient setting, patients get a realistic sense of their progress.
When patients achieve their treatment goals and are ready to discontinue regular treatment at the Charles O'Brien Center, the treatment team works with them to design a plan for sustaining success.
Location and Contact Information
The program is located on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania within the internationally acclaimed Center for Studies in Addiction.
For information or to make an appointment, call 215-222-3815 or visit the Charles O'Brien Center for Addiction Treatment web site.
|
