Roudebush VA Medical Center Substance Abuse Treatment Section
(317) 554-0000
www.va.gov/directory
1481 West 10th Street
Indianapolis IN 46202

Rehab and Insurance Services

Substance abuse treatment services
Services Provided: Substance abuse treatment, Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification
Type of Care: Outpatient

Individualized Dependency Treatment

An effective individualized treatment approach provides the patient with multiple individual sessions each week, in addition to the group therapies, community meetings and sober recreational activities. This intensive, individualized treatment balances therapeutic experiences and provides a format for developing the cognitive understanding, emotional stability and constructive behavioral habits that are essential to an enduring recovery. Experts strive for a comprehensive understanding of each patient within the context of the family unit. The multifaceted treatment team employs a philosophy of holistic healing, with attention to the mind, body and spirit of each patient. It is essential to treat the whole person who is afflicted with addiction. It necessary to address the physical, mental and spiritual needs of the patient. An individualized treatment plan designed and implemented by the clinical team addresses the many facets and root causes of addiction. The treatment team meets on a regular basis, both formally and informally, to ensure the continuity of care provided during treatment. The treatment teams design aftercare plans for the patient upon discharge. In an effort to eliminate the presence of self-destructive and maladaptive behaviors, experts address the sources of addiction, even though causes are often difficult to determine. Drug rehabilitation has a goal of finding the root causes of the problem and aiding the patient in resolving these issues. Treatment of substance abuse is an ongoing process that does not end upon discharge from residential treatment. The rehab center aims to provide the patient with the coping skills and aftercare resources that will support sobriety and prevent relapse. The family is an integral component of the treatment process and ultimate recovery. The treatment center seeks to include and educate the family in the ways in which they can support and facilitate the recovery process.

Co-Occurring Drug Abuse and Mental Health

Offenders with co-occurring drug abuse and mental health problems often require an integrated treatment approach. High rates of mental health problems are present in offender populations and in those with substance abuse problems. Drug abuse treatment can sometimes address depression, anxiety and other mental health problems. Personality, cognitive and other serious mental disorders can be difficult to treat and may disrupt drug treatment. The presence of co-occurring disorders may require an integrated approach that combines drug abuse treatment with psychiatric treatment, including the use of medication. A physician should assess Individuals with either a substance abuse or mental health problem for the presence of the other.

Medications for Drug Abuse

Medications are important parts of treatment for many drug abusing offenders. For heroin addiction, medicines such as methadone and buprenorphine help normalize brain function and individuals who may benefit from them should take them. Effective use of medications can be instrumental in enabling people with co-occurring mental health problems to function successfully in society. Behavioral strategies can increase adherence to medication regimens.

Chronic Conditions Prevention

Treatment planning for drug abusing offenders who are living in or returning the community should include strategies to prevent and treat serious, chronic medical conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C and tuberculosis.
The rates of infectious diseases, such as hepatitis, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, are higher in drug abusers, incarcerated offenders and offenders under community supervision than in the general population. Infectious diseases affect not just the offender, but also the criminal justice system and the wider community. Consistent with federal and state laws, offenders who have abused drugs should be tested for infectious diseases and receive counseling on health practices and on ways to modify risky behaviors. Probation and parole officers who monitor offenders with serious medical conditions should link them with appropriate healthcare services, encourage compliance with medical treatment and re-establish eligibility of the offender for public health services like Medicaid.