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Substance Abuse Programs and Resources

As part of your candidacy for a liver and/or kidney transplant, the Liver Transplant Committee requires you to participate in some type of substance use disorder treatment and/or evaluation. Our goal is to help our patients maintain a healthy lifestyle before and after transplant so that they and their families have a successful transplant outcome. This information has been prepared to help you and your family find qualified individuals, groups, or programs which will provide you with the support and the tools to maintain long‐term abstinence from toxic substances.

WHAT IS A SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER?

Alcoholism, drug dependence and addiction, known as substance use disorders, are complex problems. People with these disorders once were thought to have a character defect or moral weakness; some people mistakenly still believe that. However, most scientists and medical researchers now consider dependence on alcohol or drugs to be a long‐term illness, like asthma, hypertension (high blood pressure), or diabetes. Most people who drink alcohol drink very little and many people can stop taking drugs without a struggle. However, some people develop a substance use disorder—use of alcohol or drugs that is compulsive or dangerous (or both). –Source: SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

WHY DO SOME PEOPLE DEVELOP A PROBLEM BUT NOT OTHERS?

Substance use disorder is an illness that can affect anyone: rich or poor, male or female, employed or unemployed, young or old, and any race or ethnicity. Nobody knows for sure exactly what causes it, but the chance of developing a substance use disorder depends partly on genetics— biological traits passed down through families. A person’s environment, psychological traits, and stress level also play major roles by contributing to the use of alcohol or drugs. Researchers have found that using alcohol or drugs for a long time changes the brain in important, long‐lasting ways. It is as if a switch in the brain is turned on at some point. This point is different for every person, but when this switch turns on, the person crosses an invisible line and becomes dependent on the substance. People who start using drugs or alcohol early in life run a greater risk of crossing this line and becoming dependent. These changes in the brain remain long after a person stops using. –Source: SAMSA

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TREATMENT?

Detoxification (Detox) –Supervised withdrawal from a substance. A process that helps the body rid itself of substances while the symptoms of withdrawal are treated. Detox by itself is not a treatment; it is a first step that can prepare a person for treatment.

Hospital Inpatient‐ inpatient treatment is 24/7 care connected to a hospital, lasting days to weeks. These are usually connected to a hospital or clinic, and provide detox and rehabilitative care. People with serious mental or medical concerns, as well as substance use disorders, are the most likely to use inpatient treatment. Revised 7/28/2020

Intensive Outpatient Groups‐ Outpatient treatment is best for people willing to attend regular appointments and counseling sessions. Since there is no overnight care, it’s important to have a stable living environment, reliable transportation, and supportive family or friends. Visits vary depending on the program, with some requiring daily attendance and others meeting one to three times per week. Outpatient care usually lasts from about two months to one year.

Individual Counseling‐ One‐on‐one talk therapy provided by psychologists (Ph.D./Psy.D.), clinical social workers (LCSW), or counselors (LPC or LMFT). Costs vary depending on insurance coverage. It’s important to have a stable living environment and reliable transportation. Visits vary based on treatment plan and includes weekly, biweekly or monthly sessions.

Support Groups– free assistance for people. Groups can be attending while also seeing a private counselor. Groups are generally found at various places within their community. They are open groups that may or may not be led by professionals. There is typically no cost.

HOW DO I FIND HELP?

IF YOU HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE THROUGH YOUR EMPLOYER OR PRIVATE INSURANCE

  • Call the number on the back of your card under BEHAVIORAL HEALTH to ask for a few counselors who are in your area based on your preference (location, gender, etc.)
  • Go to the website of your insurance carrier to FIND A PROVIDER
  • Search for a provider from the list of resources below.

IF YOU HAVE MEDICARE or MEDICAID

Treatment Options

Below are treatment options beginning with individual treatment, followed by community support groups, and then inpatient and intensive outpatient programs. Your transplant coordinator will inform you of the committee’s requirements

INDIVIDUAL TREATMENT

Check with your health insurance—see above under “How do I find help?”

American Psychological Association (800) 374‐2721 TDD/TTY(202) 336‐6123

  • Helps you locate a licensed psychologist in your area with various specialties. Be sure to type in “addictions” in the Provider Name OR Practice Area. https://locator.apa.org/

Recovery Resource Council- Dallas County (214) 522‐8600 | Tarrant County (817) 332‐6329

  • North Texas’ largest non‐residential non‐profit organization dedicated to the prevention, intervention and treatment of alcohol, substance use disorder and behavioral health issues‐ serving 19 North Texas counties. www.RecoveryCouncil.Org

SAMHSA 800‐662‐4357 TTY: 800‐487‐4889

  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline, is a confidential, free, 24‐hour‐a‐day, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community‐based organizations. Visit www.findTreatment.Gov to find local treatment centers in your area.

COMMUNITY BASED SUPPORT GROUPS FOR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

Many organizations now offer online services. Below are a few of the many that may be available. Individual groups may also offer Tele‐Health services.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

  • Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is free and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone. Online meetings are also available at www.aa.org/pages/en_US/options‐for‐meeting‐online

AA Beyond Belief

  • AA Beyond Belief is a website and podcast specifically for agnostics, atheists, freethinkers, and all others who seek a secular path of recovery within Alcoholics Anonymous. The stories presented here reflect the broad and varied experience of those who choose to walk the secular path in AA. www.AABeyondBelief.org

Celebrate Recovery

SMART Recovery

  • Self‐Management And Recovery Training (SMART) is a nationwide, nonprofit organization which offers free support groups to individuals who desire to gain independence from any type of addictive behavior. SMART Recovery also offers a free Internet Message Board discussion group, and sells publications related to recovery from addictive behavior. https://www.smartrecovery.org/

ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS FOR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

The Center for Integrative Counseling and Psychology

INPATIENT AND INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAMS

Methodist Richardson Behavioral Health & Addiction Recovery (469) 204‐6920 | After hours (469)204‐6900

Serenity View Recovery Center (214) 495‐1476

The Meadows Outpatient Center Dallas (877) 972‐8006

Carrollton Springs (972) 853‐5287

  • Help available 24‐7 | Carrollton Springs provides effective inpatient and outpatient treatment options for adults struggling with substance use disorder and addiction as well as depression, anxiety or similar problems. https://carrolltonsprings.com/

The Menninger Clinic in Houston (713) 275‐5400

Individual counseling, Inpatient and Intensive Outpatient programs can also be located through your health insurance and the resources listed below:

American Psychological Association

(800) 374‐2721 TDD/TTY (202) 336‐6123

https://locator.apa.org/

Recovery Resource Council

Dallas County (214) 522‐8600 | Tarrant County(817) 332‐6329 www.RecoveryCouncil.org

SAMHSA

800‐662‐4357 TTY:800‐487‐4889

www.findTreatment.Gov

*Any reference in this document to any organization/facility/service/website does not constitute or imply the endorsement, recommendation, or favoring of The Transplant Program at Methodist Dallas Medical Center or any of its employees. Additionally, our program expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in the contents of the websites. The list above is not exhaustive but has been compiled to serve as a starting point. Please contact your Social Worker if you need additional assistance.

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We are here to help you through this process, therefore it is important that you understand the following:

  • You will need to notify your transplant Social Worker/and or Transplant Nurse Coordinator of your participation in a group or counseling service
  • Please be prepared to provide documentation of proof of your participation. A form has been attached to facilitate verification of group sessions.
  • We are a part of your team and want to help. You can reach your Social Worker if you need additional assistance below