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Chemical Dependency ServicesDrug addiction is a progressive disease. Long-term drug use can cause devastating physical and psychological problems and dependence. It can interfere with relationships, work, health and more, to the extent where the drug becomes the most important aspect of a person’s life. For most people, addiction begins slowly, but increases rapidly if it goes untreated. Persons with addictions can often stop for awhile but, without professional help, usually revert back to the need to resume drug use.
Horizon Health Services’ outpatient chemical dependency programs provide opportunities for people to recover from drug abuse/dependency. Horizon’s staff work with consumers to develop a plan for recovery that is responsive to their unique needs. All treatment services are provided with caring and respect, under the strictest confidentiality, with the overall goals of:
SymptomsA person exhibiting any or all of the following symptoms may have a chemical dependency problem:
Frequently-asked QuestionsHere are the answers to some frequently-asked questions regarding chemical dependency: How do I know if I have chemical dependency? Only a qualified professional can make the diagnosis of a chemical dependency. However, if your use of alcohol or drugs is causing difficulties in your life - including in your family relationships, social relationships, work functioning, health status, ability to manage your emotions, legal status (etc.) - there is a good chance you may have a problem. What causes chemical dependency? We don’t know the specific causes of chemical dependency. Causes include the influences of our biological make-up, the impact of our life experiences including those of early life/childhood, trauma, and current stressors. The degree to which each of these is a factor differs for each individual. We also know that the use of some chemicals creates permanent changes in brain functioning that make it more difficult to quit their use. Don’t people with drug addiction have to use drugs every day? No. The significant majority of persons with these disorders do not use drugs daily. Will I have to quit using drugs during treatment? Our primary goal with each consumer is his or her abstinence from all mood-altering substances. We work with consumers toward achieving this goal over the course of treatment, and maintaining it following treatment completion. If it cannot be achieved, we will refer you to a more intensive level of care. What if I want to quit using one substance but not another? Abstinence from all mood-altering substances is our expectation because it results in the lowest likelihood of relapse. Our experience and the research literature indicate that continuing to use any mood-altering substance while trying to quit another undermines successful recovery. Will I ever be able to use drugs again safely? If you have a chemical dependency, any future use of substances increases your risk of relapse and is not recommended. Self TestWant to find out if you have or if someone you know has a drug problem? Click here to take the simple self-administered and confidential test. It is important to note that this self test is not a diagnosis and DOES NOT replace a face to face evaluation with a trained clinical professional. Services and Treatment OptionsHorizon recognizes that drug problems often negatively effect individuals’ functioning within their family and social group, at work and in the management of their feelings. To address this, Horizon provides a full compendium of services, including:
Horizon now offers buprenorphine medication as an adjunct to treatment for opiate addiction. Opium is the most powerful addiction drug; opioid addiction is estimated to affect up to one million Americans, a number that continues to grow despite costly prevention and treatment programs. Until 2002, methadone was the only medical maintenance treatment available for opiate addiction. It has proven to be effective for reducing cravings and preventing relapse; however its significant abuse potential and daily clinical visit requirements made it very difficult to maintain normal social and occupational life. Buprenorphine, an opioid partial agonist, was approved by the FDA in 2000 and seems to offer a reasonable alternative to methadone. Its unique mechanism of action – binding tightly to opioid receptors while activating them only partially – makes Buprenorphine a very safe and effective drug for detoxification and/or maintenance therapy for opioid addiction. It is the very first drug approved by the FDA to be prescribed in a regular office setting and given as a monthly prescription as long as drug counseling is also provided. Horizon is excited to be able to provide this option to our consumers who are ready to take the path to recovery and return to normal life. Horizon Health Services’ outpatient chemical dependency programs are provided at the following locations: Bailey-LaSalle Counseling Center Boulevard Counseling Center Hertel Elmwood Counseling Center Lockport Counseling Center Main-Amherst Counseling Center Niagara Falls Counseling Center Niagara Falls City Market Counseling Center Tonawanda Counseling Center Horizon Village Recovery Center Horizon actively participates in the Drug Courts of the Cities of Niagara Falls and Tonawanda and the Towns of Amherst and Cheektowaga, and in the Buffalo Drug Court. These courts divert non-violent offenders with drug-related offenses into tightly monitored treatment as an alternative to incarceration. Other helpful websitesVisit these other helpful websites to learn more about chemical dependency:
These links are provided to assist visitors to this site in obtaining information related to substance abuse and treatment. The links represent a variety of agencies and non-government organizations. By displaying links, Horizon is not endorsing the organizations represented nor making any claim as to the accuracy and validity of the information found on their websites. Career Opportunity CentersHorizon’s Career Opportunity Centers are designed to serve individuals with mntal health disorders and/or chemical dependency who have expressed a desire to enter or re-enter the workforce. Our objective is to provide meaningful, competitive and permanent employment in settings offering opportunities for advancement and promotion. Horizon’s Career Opportunity Centers have a 20-year history of success in providing area employers with dependable and motivated workers. Click here for more information about Horizon’s Career Opportunity Centers.
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Recovery from drug addiction is possible. The first step is to determine whether you (or someone you know) have a problem. Symptoms and a self-test for chemical dependency are included below. While they will give you an indication if there is a problem, an assessment by a certified addiction counselor is recommended.