Treatment Philosophy
The Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs (CDAP) at MUSC’s Institute of Psychiatry (IOP) is one of the nation’s premier facilities for the treatment of alcohol and substance abuse problems. Our clinical services, directed by Dr. Hugh Myrick and staffed by highly trained professionals, offer the most up-to-date methods for the treatment of addictions.
CDAP’s alcohol and substance abuse treatment philosophy encompasses a variety of biological, psychological and social interventions that have been shown to be effective. Unlike many other treatment programs, no single approach characterizes the CDAP program, since we know from experience that not everyone responds to the same therapies in the same way. What is unique about CDAP is that we use therapies that have been shown, in research studies, to be effective in reducing risk of relapse. In addition, our therapists have received specialized training in using these therapies with addicted individuals. Patients are provided with several different treatments, thereby maximizing the chances that they will benefit from the treatment experience.
Alcohol or Drug Inpatient Program
The Inpatient Program provides crisis stabilization for people who require medical detoxification from alcohol or drugs or who have a co-morbid psychiatric condition that needs to be medically stabilized. Average length of stay is between 3 and 7 days. All inpatient services (detoxification) take place on 4-North, Institute of Psychiatry. Alcohol/Drug Addiction Intensive Outpatient Program
The Intensive Outpatient Program provides treatment for people suffering from addiction to alcohol and/or other drugs who do not require hospitalization or who have completed detoxification. The dynamic outpatient format requires a patient’s involvement several days a week. Participants can choose an evening or day program according to their work or school schedule. All outpatient clinical services take place at our satellite office at 29 Leinbach Drive. This comprehensive Intensive Outpatient Program incorporates recovery skills, education, individual and group therapy, motivational interviewing, twelve-step facilitation, and medication management. Counselors and psychiatrists use a variety of medical, psychological and behavioral interventions in treatment. Techniques used have been proven by research and experience to maximize the benefits of treatment and to effectively reduce the chances of relapse. New patients can enter the program at any time. After attending the day or evening program for four weeks, patients work with their therapists to develop an aftercare plan for maintaining recovery. This follow-up plan may include a less intensive schedule of group or individualized therapy to reinforce specific treatment goals. The day program meets Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Individual and family therapy sessions are also scheduled at the clinician’s discretion. The evening program meets Monday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Wednesday’s evening program consists of Relapse Prevention and Multi-Family Groups. Individual and family therapy sessions are scheduled as needed. Back to Top Individual Outpatient Treatment
The Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs also offers individual treatment sessions for those suffering from addiction to alcohol or other drugs. After an initial evaluation, patients are assigned to a therapist who provides individual treatment that includes cognitive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing and twelve-step facilitation. A psychiatrist is also available to treat patients with the latest addictions medications designed to reduce cravings and decrease the chances of relapse. All outpatient clinical services take place at our satellite office at 29 Leinbach Drive. Buprenorphine Maintenance Clinic
CDAP offers a Buprenorphine Maintenance Clinic for opiate dependent patients. This clinic consists of medical management of opiate withdrawal symptoms and cravings, along with group psychotherapy. These services are delivered by addiction psychiatrists and addiction counselors operating in conjunction with each patient to achieve optimal outcomes. Confidential Addiction Evaluations and Treatment for Physicians and Attorneys
The Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs offers confidential addictions evaluations and treatment for medical and legal professionals. The CDAP staff works regularly with professional associations and licensing boards to assure optimum care and recovery for referred persons. Addiction Interventions
CDAP helps family members, friends, employers and co-workers of addicted persons to discuss, plan and implement onsite interventions to facilitate treatment. Biomarker Screening
Alcohol blood tests and urine drug screening tests help clinicians monitor each patient’s progress during treatment. These tests also provide valuable feedback to patients and alert the clinician to potential relapse problems. Biomarker tests for excessive alcohol use include gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) and, a newer test, carbohydrate deficient transferrin (% CDT). These are simple blood tests that can indicate if a patient has been drinking over the recent past. For example, if % CDT test results are high, this indicates that a patient has probably been drinking at least 5 standard alcoholic drinks per day for the past two weeks or longer. The % CDT test is correct in identifying heavy drinking in 9 out of 10 individuals. Screening for specific drugs is conducted via urine samples. Screening can be conducted on the presence of amphetamine, methamphetamine, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabinoid, cocaine, opiates and PCP. Back to Top Research Participation as Treatment
Since the Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs conducts a number of clinical trials investigating new pharmacological and psychosocial treatments for addiction, some individuals may decide to receive treatment as part of this research. However, individuals must meet certain qualifications to be included in these studies and not everyone qualifies. A list of current clinical trials is located on our website under “Clinical Trials.” Addiction Treatment Inquiries
For information about CDAP addictions treatment services or to schedule an appointment, call: (843)-792-2727.
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