• How might I know if my adolescent son/daughter has a substance abuse problem?
• What should I do if I think my adolescent son/daughter has a substance abuse problem?
• Is methadone maintenance always a long-term treatment in order to be effective?
• Is methadone maintenance the only type of medication-assisted treatment you offer for people addicted to opiates like heroin, Oxycotin or Demerol?
• How does buprenorphine benefit you?
• How effective is buprenorphine?
• Is methadone maintenance really an effective treatment?
• How long does it take to complete an initial evaluation at your organization in order to determine if I am a good match for medication-assisted treatment (Buprenorphine or Methadone)?
• What is the Medicaid Rehab Option?
• What type of disabilities do the group homes service?
• How much does it cost to live at the group homes?
• How do I get referred to your program?
• How long does the program last?
• Do you have single rooms available in the group homes?
• What are symptoms of psychosis?
• What is depression?
• What is Methadone Treatment?
• Is Methadone Treatment for people on heroin only?
• What is Suboxone?
• Why do people take/use methadone?
• Do you or have you ever used drugs? If not, you don’t know what it’s like and you can’t help me.
• Isn’t using methadone substituting one drug for another?
• How does counseling help if someone is still using illicit drugs?
• Does Methadone rot your teeth and bones?
• What is the difference between Methadone and Suboxone?
• I believe my child is using substances. What type of services does your program offer?
• What treatment approaches does this program use regarding chemical abuse or dependency?
• What is the cost of treatment? Are the cost covered by my insurance or health plans?
• How many people do you provide shelter to?
• Is the shelter just for men?
• What services do you offer at Prospect House?
• What can I bring with me at the shelter?
• What are the criteria for getting into UMI (Urban Model Initiative)?
• Do I have to pay any fees to be involved with UMI?

1. How might I know if my adolescent son/daughter has a substance abuse problem?
Signs that your adolescent son or daughter might be abusing alcohol or drugs include:
Possible Signs in the Home

• loss of interest or disengagement in family activities
• constant disrespect for family rules
• withdrawal from responsibilities
• acting verbally or physically abusive
• sudden increase or decrease in appetite
• disappearance of valuable items or money
• returning home after curfew
• not informing you about where they are going
• making constant excuses for behavior
• spending a lot of time in their rooms
• lying about their activities
• finding items such as: rolling papers, pipes, roach clips, small glass vials, plastic baggies, remnants of drugs

Possible Signs at School

• sudden drop in grades
• truancy
• loss of interest in learning
• sleeping in class
• poor work performance
• not doing homework
• defiant of authority
• poor attitude towards sports or other extracurricular activities
• reduced memory and attention span
• not informing you of teacher meetings, open houses, etc.

Possible Physical & Emotional Signs

• changes in friendships
• smell of alcohol, marijuana or other substances
• unexplainable mood swings and behavior
• negative, argumentative, paranoid or confused, destructive, anxious
• over-reacts to criticism
• acts rebellious
• shares few if any of their personal problems
• doesn't seem as happy as they used to be
• overly tired or hyperactive
• drastic weight loss or gain
• unhappy and depressed
• cheats, steals
• always needs money, or has excessive amounts of money
• sloppiness in appearance

Please note that none of these signs means that your son or daughter is definitely abusing drugs. There are other causes for some of these behaviors, including the typical issues of the adolescent life stage. BACK TO TOP

2. What should I do if I think my adolescent son/daughter has a substance abuse problem?
Reach out and contact our Recovery Adolescent Program. Our staff members are well-versed in listening to family members and offering guidance as well as optimal treatment matching based on one’s individual needs. BACK TO TOP

3. Is methadone maintenance always a long-term treatment in order to be effective?
Many people believe that once someone begins methadone treatment they must remain involved with this type of treatment for life. This simply is not true. Effective medication-assisted treatment programs are tailored to individual needs. While long-term treatment is either clinically indicated or a personal choice for some, others benefit from shorter-term treatment with a transition to a traditional outpatient setting immediately following the tapering phase. BACK TO TOP

4. Is methadone maintenance the only type of medication-assisted treatment you offer for people addicted to opiates like heroin, Oxycotin or Demerol?
RNP offers innovative evidence-based medication-assisted treatment options for those diagnoses with opioid addictions. Options include Buprenorphine or Methadone medications. Buprenorphine is available by prescription as a treatment for opioid dependence. It has been found to be effective in reducing the need to continue using opiates (buprenorphine maintenance) and also in helping people to withdraw from heroin and methadone. Buprenorphine is also prescribed to treat severe pain.

The Federal Drug Administration has approved Suboxone® (buprenorphine/naloxone) Suboxone® (buprenorphine/naloxone) is a medication prescribed in RNP’s Medication-Assisted Treatment programs. The purpose for the addition of naloxone to buprenorphine is to reduce the risk of misuse. If buprenorphine is misused (administered intravenously), the naloxone will cause immediate and intense withdrawal in opioid-dependent people. BACK TO TOP

5. How does buprenorphine benefit you?
Buprenorphine can decrease cravings and relieve withdrawal symptoms. This can help you remain in treatment and gain control over your dependence without the distraction of cravings and fear of withdrawal. BACK TO TOP

6. How effective is buprenorphine?
Buprenorphine has been studied extensively since 1978, when it was first proposed for the treatment of opioid dependence. A number of clinical trials have established that buprenorphine is effective for:

• Suppressing symptoms of opiate withdrawal
• Reducing cravings for opiates
• Reducing illicit opiate use
• Blocking the effects of other opiates
• Helping people stay in treatment BACK TO TOP
  

7. Is methadone maintenance really an effective treatment?
Outcome measures show that MMT dramatically decreases illicit drug use and after 3 months intravenous drug injection almost totally disappears. Mood, social and personal functioning improves after 3 month of constant observed self-administration of methadone medication. MMT decreases illicit opioid abuse, criminal and violent behavior and at a relatively reasonable cost.

Methadone is a long-acting, synthetic and addictive narcotic. When administered on a daily basis, it effectively blocks the craving for opiates and negates the painful symptoms of opiate withdrawal. The effects of methadone last from 24 to 48 hours, about six times longer than heroin. Therefore, not only can methadone be administered once per day, but the client suffers little discomfort if forced to miss a daily dosage.
Methadone stabilization generally occurs within two (2) months. Clients do not experience a “high” from a usual dosage of opiates due to the blockading effect of methadone. At this point in treatment clients report that they feel “normal” or “do not feel anything” from their daily dosage of methadone. A client’s ability to function normally is restored.

Fully authorized by the medical establishment and strictly supervised by experienced clinical and medical personnel, methadone maintenance programs are regarded as the most viable alternative to combating opiate addiction.

Prescribed methadone and strict adherence to an individual treatment regimen provides re-entry to a “normal” mode of life. At the same time, the client is freed from the preoccupation of obtaining opiates and its accompanying criminal activities. Clients enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment are able to work, attend school or participate in training programs; they can effectively handle responsibilities within the home and social interests. Many clients report a renewed interest and a greater participation in their family life following admission to methadone treatment. BACK TO TOP

8. How long does it take to complete an initial evaluation at your organization in order to determine if I am a ngood match for medication-assisted treatment (Buprenorphine or Methadone)?
RNP was recognized by the State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), for its state of the art rapid admission process. From time of initial screening to 1st dose of Methadone is approximately 90 minutes in length. BACK TO TOP

9. What is the Medicaid Rehab Option?
The Medicaid Rehab Option is a program through DSS that pays the group homes throughout the state to provide rehab services to consumers who have TXIX. Services are geared towards helping consumers live independently in the community. BACK TO TOP

10. What type of disabilities do the group homes service?
The group homes work with clients who have a mental health diagnosis and substance abuse issues. BACK TO TOP

11. How much does it cost to live at the group homes?
The cost is $24.99/day. The cost includes food, laundry facilities and all utilities. BACK TO TOP

12. How do I get referred to your program?
First, you need to speak with your clinical team and they will fill out an application. This application needs to be sent to the group home and GBCMHC to be placed on a referral list. BACK TO TOP

13. How long does the program last?
The program is based on individual treatment plans. The length of stay is based on individual needs. BACK TO TOP

14. Do you have single rooms available in the group homes?
Yes, we have single rooms, 2 at Huntington House and 1 at Iranistan House. BACK TO TOP

15. What are symptoms of psychosis?
A person experiencing psychosis may hear voices that nobody else can hear.
A person might spend a lot of time by themselves.
A person might neglect their appearance, not bathing or changing clothes. BACK TO TOP

16. What is depression?
A person may experience lack of energy.
A person may isolate themselves in darkness.
A person may feel hopeless, helpless, and might want to harm themselves. BACK TO TOP

17. What is Methadone Treatment?
Methadone treatment provides the patient who is addicted to opiates with health, social and rehabilitation services that relieve withdrawal symptoms, reduce opiate craving and allow normalization of the body’s functions. BACK TO TOP

18. Is Methadone Treatment for people on heroin only?
No. Methadone can be used in the treatment of any opiate addiction; this can include but not limited to Oxycotin, Percocet, Vicadin, etc….. BACK TO TOP

19. What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a tablet that dissolves under the tongue and is made up of two ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine suppresses withdrawal symptoms and decreases cravings. Naloxone is added to discourage misuse of this medication. If the medication is crushed and then injected or snorted, the naloxone may cause withdrawal symptoms. If Suboxone is taken as directed, the Naloxone will not cause withdrawal symptoms. BACK TO TOP

20. Why do people take/use methadone? It only makes them high; I see them nodding.
Methadone does not make you high. A person may feel some euphoria during initial phase, after that then either the dose is too high, or other substances are being used. BACK TO TOP

21. Do you or have you ever used drugs? If not, you don’t know what it’s like and you can’t help me.
Staff is trained to use the appropriate techniques to help you. You do not have to use drugs in order to help someone. BACK TO TOP

22. Isn’t using methadone substituting one drug for another?
No, because unlike heroin and other opiates, tolerance for methadone does not increase after stabilization. Tolerance is stable. BACK TO TOP

23. How does counseling help if someone is still using illicit drugs?
Counseling can provide structure, and help address specific problems in the areas of drug use, physical health, interpersonal relationships, family interactions, and vocational/educational goals as well as a tool to help monitor progress. BACK TO TOP

24. Does Methadone rot your teeth and bones?
It has been proven that Methadone has no negative Medical effects to the body. BACK TO TOP

25. What is the difference between Methadone and Suboxone?
Methadone is a full antagonist Suboxone is a partial antagonist that has Naloxone in it. Both medications have an effect on the Dopamine receptors in the brain. BACK TO TOP

26. I believe my child is using substances. What type of services does your program offer?
The Recovery Adolescent Program provides a drug-free, outpatient treatment program for youth, both males and females under the age of 18, who have demonstrated a history of substance abuse and/or dependence. RAP also deals and provides service to adolescents with co-occurring disorders. BACK TO TOP

27. What treatment approaches does this program use regarding chemical abuse or dependency?
The Recovery Adolescent Program provides individual, group and family counseling based upon the clients and families needs. BACK TO TOP

28. What is the cost of treatment? Are the cost covered by my insurance or health plans?
Recovery Adolescent Program do not deny services to individuals regardless of their ability to pay for services. BACK TO TOP

29. How many people do you provide shelter to?
Prospect House shelters 32 individuals a day. BACK TO TOP

30. Is the shelter just for men?
No, Prospect House provides emergency shelter for men and women, 18 years and above. BACK TO TOP

31. What services do you offer at Prospect House?
Prospect House provides comprehensive case management services and referrals based on individual need. BACK TO TOP

32. What can I bring with me at the shelter?
You may bring a couple changes of clothes with you. Prospect House does not have storage facilities. BACK TO TOP

33. What are the criteria for getting into UMI (Urban Model Initiative)?
Males & females 18 and older with co-occurring disorders and a strong emphasis on substance abuse.34. How long is the UMI program? Up to 18 months.
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34. Do I have to pay any fees to be involved with UMI?
No, but you are expected to be involved with Money Management and save money.BACK TO TOP

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