Frequently Asked Questions
At the Bel Air Center for Addictions, our focus remains on helping treat the disease of addiction. Below you’ll find some of our frequently asked questions related to addiction treatment and our processes. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 443.504.4710.
Click the questions below to reveal the answers.
WHAT DOES TREATMENT ENTAIL AT THE BEL AIR CENTER FOR ADDICTIONS?
We do not require our patients to go away for costly inpatient “rehab” or to attend regular 12-step meetings that are far from anonymous. Closely monitored treatment along with regular, brief, one on one, confidential physician visits are usually all that is needed for our patients to change their lives.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM TREATMENT AT THE BEL AIR CENTER FOR ADDICTIONS COMPARED TO OTHER TREATMENT METHODS AND CENTERS?
We can only tell you what we have heard from our patients. Many patients have told us that this has been life changing, and life saving treatment. They cannot believe how well they feel, and that their lives are back to normal. Our treatments are based on state of the art theories of addiction, and buprenorphine is truly a miracle drug. While no treatment is 100% effective for every patient we provide a significant alternative to an ongoing addiction problem which can destroy people’s savings, homes, jobs, and families. Help is available. Just pick up the phone.
HOW DOES BEL AIR CENTER FOR ADDICTIONS TREAT OPIOID ADDICTIONS?
For opioid dependence our service is based on the medical management of opioid withdrawal symptoms by using Suboxone (buprenorphine). Most of our patients usually feel better within hours after beginning treatment and are able to re-establish normal life functioning within days.
HOW DOES BEL AIR CENTER FOR ADDICTIONS TREAT ALCOHOL ADDICTIONS?
For alcohol issues we utilize a medication that reduces cravings for alcohol the same way a diet pill would reduce someone’s craving for food. Our patients can usually be prescribed medications they can take in the privacy of their homes for a few days to help with severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms. After that, ongoing medication treatment helps keep people from wanting to drink. Our patients do not get sick if they drink, they just don’t feel like drinking.
WHY IS BUPRENORPHINE BETTER THAN METHADONE FOR OPIATE/NARCOTIC ADDICTION?
Several reasons. Methadone must be distributed from a government licensed methadone treatment clinic where you must go on a daily basis to get medication. While this is a very effective treatment, many people find it inconvenient and embarrassing. With buprenorphine maintenance you are able to get your medication prescribed from a private physician’s office and you are treated like any other patient with any other type of medical problem. Your treatment is confidential and you do not need to sign in. All of our patients are treated with respect and a caring attitude by our physician and our professionally trained staff. Additionally, while buprenorphine does produce a physical dependence, it does not have the same abuse and addictive potential as methadone.
WILL MY INSURANCE COVER THESE SERVICES?
We do not participate with any insurance companies for addiction services, however, many insurances will reimburse the patient for at least some of the costs with an adequate receipt, which we are happy to provide. Each patient needs to check with their specific insurance company.
HOW SOON CAN I BE SEEN?
Usually the same day you call. We know that one of the hardest steps in dealing with an addiction is admitting you have a problem and asking for help. Once you make the decision to deal with the problem, help needs to be immediate. We want to be there for you to help you get your life back on track as quickly as possible.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON MY FIRST VISIT?
You can expect to spend about 30 minutes with the physician discussing your addiction and your medical history. You will receive medication at that time if appropriate. If you are being seen for buprenorphine treatment for opiate or narcotic addiction you will receive buprenorphine in the form of a pill that dissolves under your tongue. You will be given enough medication to take home with you to last until your next visit, usually 2 or 3 days later. On your follow up visit the dosage of your medication will be adjusted as needed and you will be given a prescription for medication to last until your next visit. Most patients will be seen again in one week, and then again 2 weeks later. As your condition improves the frequency of your visits will decrease.
HOW LONG CAN I EXPECT TO BE IN TREATMENT?
Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by persistence and recurrences. We treat addiction but do not cure it. Many patients continue in treatment for an ongoing long term basis. Some have been in our care for years, others have greatly reduced their dosage of required medication over time, and some have even been able to discontinue treatment all together and remain abstinent. Many patients do very well on their medication, without having withdrawal symptoms or cravings, and they choose to stay on it indefinitely. Your individual condition, situation, needs, and desires will be determined in consultation with our physician.