HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - April 4, 1984 (39)M
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` { CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRI k 4, 1984
Victor F. Brewer. hospital Niministrator for the lAx-1i
Cmmmity llospital . Phi l flames. and Dr. Jams Aheartii
hre.;ented it presentation on that hosPi to -1's new Chemical
Dependency Mhab i l i t it t i on Program.
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LODI COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
800 South tower Sacramento Road • Lodi, Ca(i(ornia 9S240 • (2091 368-8861
April 3, 1984
Lodi City Council
Lodi, California
Dear Council Members:
I
xperiences in the past decade have sharpened society's focus to the
devastating effect of the problems of chemical dependency in our society.
The statistics alone present a grim picture. Authorities estimate ,hat
alcoholism itself affects up to 14,000,000 adult Americans. It is further
demonstrated that:
- 85% of the chemically dependent population has nct been diagnosed
or treated.
- 400,000 new cases are reported each year.
- lox of the adult work force is alcoholic.
- 70% of the alcoholic population is employed, residing in middle or
upper class neighborhoods.
The impact of chemical dependency pervades society, revealing itself in
lost producti-vity, health care expenditures, motor vehicle accidents, violent
crimes, and fire and property loss.
Chemical dependency, has escaped the stigma of being untreatable and is
now recognized as a chronic, progressive, potentially fatal disease that
it is. The profile of the average alcoholic or addict, as perceived by
professionals and public alike is also changing. - from a skid -row picture
to more familiar images as society comes to realize that this disease,
like most others, strikes the unsuspecting and reaches into all economic
classes, races, and nationalities.
However, chemical dependency is treatable. Recent national studies prove
that with appropriate treatment, two out of every three chemically dependent
persons return to normai, active lives. The key factor in this success
is professional treatment.
There are no easy solutions tc the problems created by chemical dependency.
But with ear'y diagnosis, professional treatment, understanding, and
patience, success Lan be achieved.
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A. COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM
The approach of Lodi Community Hospital's New Beginnings Program
is a multi -disciplinary. three-phase program for the treatment and
continuing recovery of persons with chemical dependency problems
and related medical complications. The methodology involves physicians,
psychologists, therapists. and social service counseling to address
all aspects of the illness. The length of stay is flexibl-e, and an
individual response is made to each patient's needs. Described below
are the ',hree phases of the proardm.
Phase One: Detoxification. Medical management by the program Medical
Director of the acute withdrawal and treatment of medical
complications. Supportive counseling and individualized treatment '
planning help prepare the patient for the transition to Rehabilitatian.
Phase Two: Rehabilitation. A treatment and education program inc tudin g
continuing medical treatment and observation, individual co:unseiin.g,
group therapy, lectures and discussions, audio-visual trains -ng
sessions. family therapy and peer group interaction.
Phase Three: Aftercare (one year). Specific, individualized support
program for each patient and family to help in sober adjustment to
personal relationships and successful re-entry into the workplace.
The New Beginnings program is a model program for the following
40 reasons:
1. An experienced treatment team conducts the core program.
2. Patients are admitted and followed through the duration of the
program by the New Beginnings' Medical Director, a physician
trained in the treatment of chemical dependency, or the patient's
physician who is a member of the Medical Staff.
3. A rehabi?itation setting that presents the following opportunities.
a. The patient begins to take responsibility for his/her own
life functions.
b. Interaction with other persons who share a common health
problem.
c. Five group therapy sessions per week.
d. Weekly sessions with a family therapist.
e. Weekly sessions with a primary therapist.
f. Family involvement (children included) in the total recovery
process.
g. Vocation, legal. ano retirement counseling as indicated.
Appropriate referrals according to patient need.
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h. Daily educational session on chemical dependency.
I. Recreational therapy.
j. Introduction to Alcoholics Anonymous and/or Narcotics Anonymous
(2 meetings per week in the hospital) and Ai -Anon for the
family members.
k Films on a variety of topics relevant to chemical dependency.
1. Specially trained nursing staff for around -the -c lock patient
care.
4_ A strong, effective Aftercare program:
a. One year of weekly Aftercare groups. ,
b. Aftercare Treatment Plans developed together by staff and
patient.
C. Weekly Family Aftercare groups.
d. Individual counseling as needed.
e. Additional opportunities for contact through Alumni Association,
f. Aftercare groups, and program alumni -sponsored social activities. -
The need for a program in the Lodi/Stockton area is evidenced in the lark
of other hospital-based Units, a sufficient population base, and the number
of major employers within a reasonable referral distance.
Lodi Community Hospital will work with local industry and make available
its own employee assistance service to those businesses or groups needing
a more organized approach to Chemically dependent employees. Our established
referral network will serve to introduce us to major area employers.
The New Beginnings Program at Lod. Community Hospital will provide a
structured professional treatment program for those individuals in our
community with a chemical dependency problem.
Any input you may have in regards to the development of the New Beginnings
Program would be greatly appreciated.. Thank you for your consideration
of this new service for the community of Lodi-.
Sincerely,
Victor F. Brewer
Administrator
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