Introducing The Center for Addiction Medicine

The comprehensive continuum of addiction treatment services available at ABBHH has recently expanded under the Center for Addiction Medicine. This expansion of services builds on a 30-year history of providing alcohol and chemical dependency treatment in the community.

The Center for Addiction Medicine offers traditional chemical dependency programs for adults and adolescents, including treatment for individuals with co-morbid psychiatric and medical disorders. Specialized chemical dependency programs address addictions to prescription medications as well as programming tailored to the unique needs of impaired professionals, including physicians, nurses, lawyers, teachers, police officers and executives. The center also treats process addictions including sex, pornography, gambling, spending and internet use.

Gregory Teas, MD, who has headed the chemical dependency program at Alexian Brothers for two decades, is Medical Director of the Center for Addiction Medicine. Dr. Teas is board certified in addictions as well as psychiatry. Also treating patients in the program is Danesh Alam, MD, a board certified psychiatrist. Dr. Alam completed a fellowship in psychopharmacology and is additionally certified in addictions. Linda Lewaniak, LCSW, CADC, is Director of the center. All case managers and therapists have master's degrees, and most are certified alcohol and drug counselors (CADC's).

"We have refocused our efforts in addiction treatment services due to the cultural evolution of addictive behaviors into areas such as video gaming, spending, and internet use," Dr. Teas says. "We have recognized that society is normalizing these behaviors, which may lead to greater problems for people in the long run."

Another component of the treatment program is pain management. "Approximately 50 percent of chemical dependency patients have chronic pain issues," Lewaniak says. "Our emphasis is on a holistic mind-body approach to managing pain while reducing or eliminating medication."

For screening tools or additional information on the Center for Addiction Medicine, please contact Linda Lewaniak, or by phone at 847-755-8039.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Application to Substance Abuse Treatment

Friday, Nov. 21st: 10am - Noon 

“ACT is a therapy approach that uses acceptance and mindfulness processes and commitment and behavior change processes to produce greater psychological flexibility.” (Hayes & Stroshal 2004).  As featured in TIME Magazine, ACT is considered to be part of the third wave of behavior therapies, along with Functional Analytical Psychotherapy (FAP) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). An approach organically evolved from CBT, ACT has been uniquely poised to treat a variety of often-times resistant patient populations, including substance abuse, and all of the difficult psychological content that accompanies addiction. 

This program offers 2 CEU's at no cost to you. Click here for more details, or contact Donna Siegler at 847-755-8006 to register.

DON'T LET TIME RUN OUT!

ABBHH regularly offers excellent continuing education opportunities.

Reserve your spot at one of these               exciting programs today!

Nov. 12th: Personality Disorders in Older Adults ($75)

Nov. 14th: Threats, Bullying and Violence in Schools (NO COST)

Dec. 5th: Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities (NO COST)

Dec. 11th: Goth, Emo and Self-Injury (NO COST)

Dec. 12th: Stress, Burnout and Compassion Fatigue (NO COST)

Click on above links for details, or contact Donna Siegler (or by phone at 847-755-8006) to register. CEU's provided.

 HAPPY

THANKSGIVING

FROM ALL OF

                   US AT ABBHH!