MARCH 2018

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE  ADCARE JOINS THE AMERICAN ADDICTION CENTERS' FAMILY "I am excited to announce that AdCare and American Addiction Centers (AAC) have officially joined forces."   Jeffrey W. Hillis President, AdCare, Inc. Effective March 1, 2018, AAC's purchase of AdCare, Inc. brings together two dynamic organizations with a shared commitment to providing effective clinical treatment to individuals with substance use disorders. Together, our organization is in a top position to provide a broader continuum of substance use care and greater access to treatment for individuals and their families throughout New England and nationally.  Started in 1975 as a small alcoholism unit within an acute-care hospital later named AdCare, AdCare today is a leading New England provider of substance use treatment, with approximately 8,000 hospital and residential admissions and over 116,000 outpatient visits last year. AdCare’s facilities include: A level-IV, 114-bed substance use hospital centrally located in Worcester, Massachusetts Seven outpatient centers conveniently located throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island A 59-bed residential treatment center in a serene setting in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.  As the opioid epidemic persists in tearing apart families and communities across the country, there is an increasing need to deliver best-in-class treatment in a variety of locations, offering varying types of treatments available to multiple types of payers. AAC is an ideal partner to build upon the AdCare legacy and mission of improving the lives of individuals served and their families by providing safe, effective, evidence-based alcohol and drug treatment that promotes recovery. AAC’s national network of treatment centers, and financial and operational strength will allow AdCare to extend the number of patients we can serve, as well as to better track and manage patient outcomes for ongoing improvements in quality treatment. I personally look forward to working with AAC ‘s Administration and Leadership teams as I continue to lead AdCare as its President. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me personally at 508-799-9000, ext. 3123. For information about AdCare's programs and services, please visit adcare.com.

ADCARE HOSPITAL: A Long Tradition of Providing Alcohol & Drug Care 2017 Saw a Prevalence of Co-occurring Medical and Psychiatric Conditions

Unlike residential alcohol and drug treatment centers, AdCare is an acute care hospital where patients see a member of the AdCare medical staff every day. Daily rounds and continuous oversight allow patients with co-occurring medical and psychiatric disorders to receive the medical and psychiatric care that they need, along with treatment for their substance use disorder(s).

Co-occurring Medical Conditions

Of the 4,123 unique patients treated at AdCare Hospital in 2017, 70% had at least one medical diagnosis. The most common diagnoses were hypertension, chronic pain, Hepatitis C, and COPD.

Hypertension Heavy drinking over a long time can damage the heart, causing problems such as hypertension. In 2017, 30% of the patients treated at AdCare Hospital had a medical diagnosis of hypertension. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.

SAVE THE DATES! LEARN + EARN CEUS! Professional Education Series at AdCare Hospital  107 Lincoln Street, Worcester, Massachusetts As a friend of AdCare, you're invited to join us for these CEU sessions:

Ira Packer , PhD, ABPP Forensics

Jessica Noto , MA, LMHC, LADC-1, CADAC-II, PATH

SPACE IS LIMITED! RSVP: mbpapcsy@adcare.com 508-799-9000, ext. 4058

CONGRATULATIONS TO SUSAN HILLIS! Susan Hillis, LICSW, Vice President of Clinical Services at AdCare Hospital Susan Hillis, LICSW, CADC-II, LADC-I, has been promoted from Treatment Director to Vice President of Clinical Services at AdCare Hospital. “Susan Hillis has been a vital component of the clinical team for many years. She certainly has the ability and will now have the opportunity to redesign existing treatment programming and develop new modalities to ensure that AdCare remains a leader in substance use treatment,"                         - Patrice M. Muchowski, Sr. Vice President of Clinical Services

WELCOME ABOARD NATASHA WARREN!

Natasha Warren Joins Community Services as a Patient Navigator! AdCare Community Services is excited to welcome aboard Natasha Warren as Patient Navigator. In this important new position, Natasha will encourage and motivate patients in treatment at AdCare Hospital to continue in outpatient services. Most recently a Crisis Intervention Counselor (CIC) at AdCare Hospital, Natasha is comfortable interacting with the patients on the units. She also understands the need for our patients to continue in treatment in order to change long-term alcohol and other drug behaviors. In addition to promoting the many benefits of outpatient treatment such as convenient access to services and wide-ranging programs that provide education, support, and the opportunity to build life skills, Natasha looks forward to assisting patients in transitioning to this next level of care as smoothly as possible.

SPOTLIGHT ON ADCARE OUTPATIENT WORCESTER: "BOOMERS AND BEYOND” IOP FOR MATURE ADULTS

Age matters when it comes to the effective treatment of substance use disorders. Men and women age 50 and over have different physiological, emotional, mental health and spiritual needs than their younger counter-parts.  The new “Boomers and Beyond” Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at AdCare Outpatient Worcester helps to foster therapeutic connection and provides opportunities for recovery counseling, education, goal setting, and skills development.

Participants address age-specific substance use and recovery issues related to: Increased physiological sensitivity to substances. Life changes such as retirement and the loss of friends or loved ones. Medical conditions such as chronic pain, diabetes, and liver function. Health and wellness concerns such as medication management, mental cognition and alertness, nutrition, and sexual health. Community recovery support groups and activities for mature adults. FOR A SAME-DAY ASSESSMENT, PLEASE CALL 508-453-3053. ADCARE OUTPATIENT SERVICES WORCESTER  107 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 508-453-3053. Be sure to mention that you want to enroll in the Boomers and Beyond IOP!

COMMUNITY SERVICES ON THE MOVE

March 23-24, Massachusetts Academy of Family Physicians Spring Refresher, Taj, Boston, MA  Physicians play a vital role in the treatment of Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs). Shannon Korich, APRN- BC will present the poster, "Alcohol Use Disorder: Medication Assisted Treatment in the Primary Care Setting", submitted by Mohammad Alhabbal, Medical Director, AdCare Hospital,   and Ms. Korich. April 2, 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM, National Association of Social Workers (NASW) / Massachusetts Chapter Legislative, Education, Advocacy Day at the State House, Boston, MA April 12-13 , National Association of Social Workers (NASW) / Massachusetts Chapter Symposium, Sheraton, Framingham, MA May 4, National Association of Social Workers / Connecticut Chapter "Social Workers: Leaders, Advocates, Champions" Conference, Radisson, Cromwell, CT  May 23, Western New England Regional University Social Work Conference, Springfield, MA