Drug Rehab Center

Challenges' focused and highly specialized dedication to relapse treatment and relapse prevention, is uniquely distinguished from other types of treatment facilities. Whether it's addictions, drug abuse and chemical dependency, or dual-diagnosed disorders, Challenges is the preferred facility for the treatment of relapse. Challenges is the first facility in this country to provide intensive treatment of relapse as a specialty, and we feature the first and only treatment center which has been awarded national certification as a "Center of Excellence":in relapse treatment and prevention by the renowned and leading international expert in the treatment of relapse, Terence Gorski. (Gorski-CENAPS).

The Challenges model of relapse prevention treatment represents a new and unique direction in relapse care. We incorporate the latest, cutting edge technology together with traditional treatment , twelve-step oriented treatment, and alternative treatment therapies for those challenged by alcoholism and drug abuse, chemical dependency, as well as co-existing, co-occurring and dual diagnosed disorders. The exceptional treatment at Challenges is highly individualized and holistic in nature, offering the individual a significant chance of success.

Drug Abuse Treatment Programs

Our highly dedicated treatment team includes specialists in addictions and certified relapse treatment, psychiatrists, addictionologists, and medical doctors, as well as licensed therapists including those at Masters and PhD levels. Each of our professionals is well experienced in addiction treatment for chemical dependency as well as alcohol and drug abuse including that of Ecstasy, Cocaine, Oxycontin, Valium and Xanax, as well as Heroin, Methamphetamine, GHB and many others. The treatment program at Challenges is specially oriented toward relapse treatment and will address the full combination of an individuals' spiritual, mental and physical needs. You will have the opportunity to experience and benefit from our specialized, intensive treatment while you reside in an upscale, fully-managed, apartment based residential living environment. We also feature various types of day and evening outpatient programs.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Dual-diagnosed, co-existing, and co-occurring mental health and psychiatric disorders are treated together with the individual's chemical dependency. These disorders may include depression, bipolar and mood disorders, PTSD, ADD/ADHD, grief and trauma, sex addiction, eating disorders, gambling compulsivity, obsessive compulsive disorders, anxiety, and others. Challenges offers extremely comprehensive dual diagnosis addiction treatment of all potential factors in a person's life, both past and present, which continue to contribute to their chronic tendency to relapse.

Drug Rehab Center

In summary, Challenges offers hope for adult individuals who have been looking for answers to their frustration about their inability to remain sober. Those who are motivated to experience an advanced program designed to solve the problem of chronic relapse will greatly benefit from their treatment experience at Challenges . The Challenges Program will excite and stimulate you... the atmosphere is caring and supportive, and it provides individuals with all of the tools necessary to win the battle over chronic relapse . The goal is to develop new strategies so that you will be able to identify and avoid the types of repetitive relapse behaviors that may have plagued you in the past.

What is Addiction Treatment?

When you mention Treatment in regard to alcoholism and drug addiction, most people tend to think of either detox or a long-term inpatient facility.  The fact is, addiction treatment (also known as drug treatment ) involves both of these, as well as a variety of other services.   Drug addiction treatment is most often defined as a set of services to arrest or curtail the destructive pattern of substance abuse and drug addiction.

Many different drugs can be addictive, and treatment for specific drugs can vary.  The characteristics of an individual are what determine a course of treatment.  Addiction treatment can be complicated by the many medical problems associated with extended drug use.  Mental health conditions are frequently found among addicted individuals.  Occupational conditions and family concerns can frequently contribute to difficulty in addiction treatment, and many patients have found their addictive behavior has led to severe legal or financial problems like probation, incarceration or homelessness.  And no matter what other conditions are associated with a person's drug use, the severity of that individual's addiction can also greatly impact addiction treatment.

Drug Rehab Center

Treatment is tailored to address a person's psychological, emotional, physical and social conditions.  The primary goal of addiction treatment is the elimination or sustained reduction in alcohol or drug use, a continuous improvement of personal health, and a regular expansion of the individual's social ability.

There is a diversity of medically based approaches to drug addiction and alcoholism treatment and may be mental, medicinal or a combination of the two.  Behavioral therapies, such as counseling, cognitive therapy, or psychotherapy, offer the addicted individual the tools to cope with drug cravings, as well as train them to avoid addictive substances and associated behaviors.  A behavioral therapy treatment may be geared toward relapse prevention , while providing strategies for dealing with relapse if it should occur.  Often an individual's drug-associated behavior will place them at high risk for infectious diseases such as HIV or Hepatitis-C, however, behavioral therapy will teach the individual how to take precautions reducing or eliminating the risk of viral transmission.   For many addicted individuals, treatment will involve case management and referral to other medical, psychological or public and social services.

Drug Rehab Center

Addiction treatment locale and length of time vary dramatically for the individual.  Drug addiction is generally a chronic disease, and is characterized by relapses, and short-term, one-time treatment is more often insufficient to curtail addiction. Addiction treatment often involves interventions, whether by family, friends, or authorities, and attempts to incur abstinence with widely varying degrees of success.

The right addiction treatment program will involve placing careful thought into the setting, the term of care, the facility's philosophy, as well as the needs of the individual and those that depend upon him or her.

For some people, a simple screening and intervention may be all that is needed.  For people who are demonstrating addiction or dependence, a screening will probably lead to a more detailed regimen of treatment.

Admission Procedures - Drug Rehab Center

In general, Challenges prefers to admit new patients on Monday through Saturday between 8am – 7 pm.  In many instances however, due to the particular circumstances of each case Challenges' admissions staff will arrange for special accommodations to be made at  times other than stated above.  The admissions staff is available for communication 24/7 and in special cases admissions can be arranged for times later than 7 pm and also on Sundays.

Medically stable adults who are assessed to be either chemically dependent, or are assessed to be chemically dependent with co occurring or multi occurring addictions,  compulsive behavior, mental illness and psychiatric disorders are appropriate for admission. 

For information regarding special policies, procedures, assessments and records relating to admission of HIV positive individuals, individuals with accompanying physical disabilities and/or physical illnesses, individuals with a prior history of attempted suicide and other special cases please feel free to contact us at your convenience.

Drug Rehab Center

Admissions, Assessments & Evaluation

Challenges is appropriate for medically stabilized adults with issues relating to substance abuse, chemical dependency, other addictions, dual diagnosis, co-occuring disorders as well as relapse. Prior to admission, Challenges' experienced intake personnel will assess the client's condition and make appropriate recommendations to the treatment team.

Drug Rehab Center

Challenges' caring and supportive staff understands how stressful the admissions process can be and is dedicated to providing to both client and family a smooth transition through the admissions process.

Immediately upon admission, the client will work with the treatment team to complete a comprehensive biopsychosocial history as part of the foundation for the development of an initial treatment plan which will be implemented accordingly. We have highly trained admissions personnel that are available to help at all times.

Challenges staff is available to assist family members in the intervention process.

Drug Rehab Center After Care

Our Aftercare Program is an extension of group therapy following treatment . Clients are invited and encouraged to participate for as long as they would like. One year attendance, at a minimum, is recommended. Aftercare is designed to assist the client in dealing with the issues which occur in everyday life situations while in early recovery, and to continue to work in relapse prevention workbooks to maintain their awareness of potential relapse trigger issues. We believe this to be an essential component to recovery, and we strongly recommend that all Challenges program graduates participate in this extended aftercare program.

Our Alumni Program plays an integral part in the continued success of Challenges individual clients as well. Alumni meet monthly to plan and organize group activities, social and educational events where they join together to strengthen their support system and new sober lifestyles. Alumni assist active clients in their recovery by speaking in groups, chairing meetings and sponsoring Alumni Activities

Drug Rehab Center Aftercare Tracking

The Alumni Relations team will conduct personal interviews with each client prior to discharge.  Based upon the interviews, the discharge plan as well as input from the referent the goal of the aftercare/alumni team will be to maintain regular ongoing communication with each client after discharge by both telephonic and written communication at regular intervals during the first year of 30, 60, 90, 120 days and at one year. Thereafter communication will be ongoing with the client on a quarterly basis.

Clients are also invited to participate in ongoing continuing care meetings at Challenges which is a free service offered to clients for as long as they wish to participate.  Clients are also encouraged to participate in the planning of alumni events as well as attending such events.

Clients may also participate in continuing care online by registering through the Challenges web site for alumni communication and for regular contact with their treatment team through secure password protected soft ware called sober systems.

Drug Rehab Center

Alcoholism , or Alcohol Addiction , is an addictive dependency on alcohol typified by a strong craving to drink, inability to cease drinking on one's own, physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms, and increasing tolerance of alcohol or requirement for greater amounts in order to get drunk. The origins of alcohol abuse and dependence are varied and not always easily explained.  We know that children of alcoholics or drug abusers have an extraordinarily greater chance of becoming alcoholics than those coming from drug free homes.  Some cultures have had a greater tendency toward alcoholism, indicating a likely genetic predisposition.  A predisposition, however, does not guarantee that alcoholism will occur, and it does not preclude other factors such as environmental or coexisting conditions including bipolar or psychotic disorders. When such factors occur, they is known as a dual diagnosis . Alcohol abuse, like drug abuse , and alcoholism cost $170 billion annually in North America, from associations with medical problems, injuries and death.  Two thirds of North Americans consume alcohol to some degree, but more than half of the alcohol consumed is by only 6% of those who drink.  An estimated 10% of those who consume alcohol are alcoholics.  Medical Problems from Alcoholism Long-term medical effects of alcohol dependency include:

Treatment for alcoholism , like drug treatment , can have a profound effect on the alcoholic as well as society as a whole.  Immediate effects of ending the alcohol abuse are improved social and psychological function and often include a decrease in criminality and violence.

Understanding the nature of alcoholism is the key to the prevention of a return to the addiction to alcohol.  Without adequate alcoholism treatment such as relapse prevention , alcoholics often find themselves in an endless cycle of detox, rehab, treatment center, and sustained abstinence, only to begin the cycle all over again when their lives improve.

There is no single way to guarantee a complete prevention of active alcoholism.  There are a wide variety of treatment options available to alcoholics with varying success rates.  Relapse prevention increases the effectiveness of any addiction treatment .

Drug Rehab Center

Our goal at all times, at Challenges , is to provide Continuing Care and Aftercare services to our Alumni, so that they have the best chance for continuing their sobriety, and so that we can celebrate their successes.

Continuing Care and Aftercare weekly group meetings are available to all Challenges Alumni and their families at no  additional charge, and all are encouraged to participate. We feel very strongly that the continuing care of our Alumni and their families is a critical component for the successful maintenance of our Alumni's sobriety.

Individuals who have, or are presently receiving treatment services with Challenges, are invited to maintain continuing contact with their Therapists and or with our Alumni Case Manager in order to participate in our Alumni Services Program.

From time to time, Challenges will notify you by mail, E-mail or Newsletter of special events that are geared towards maintaining a close relationship with your fellow alumni and continuing to celebrate the maintenance of your continued sobriety.

Challenges will post on this page a list of projected alumni events scheduled to take place within the next 6 months. We invite you to fully participate in the development of these events and ideas for future events are greatly appreciated. This is your page, Alumni!

Let us know what events you would like to participate in and any ideas you have about what you'd like to see happen in our Challenges Alumni Community by contacting us.

Drug Rehab Center

Ambien is a trade name for a drug known as Zolpidem , an prescription drug used for the short term treatment of insomnia.  It usually produces results within 15 minutes, and has a short half-life.  Other trade names for Zolpidem are Stilnox and Stilnoct. 

Ambien activates the same receptors as benzodiazepines , but it is actually an imadazopyridine that works to enhance the effect of a major inhibitory neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA.

Large doses of Ambien result in side effects such as hallucinations, delusions, poor motor coordination, increased appetite or sex drive, poor judgment, and loss of memory while under the drug's influence—the desire to induce these side effects is a leading reason for Ambien abuse.

Ambien is a potentially addictive drug, even when taken under a physician's care.  Users become dependent on its use to sleep and abusers, its ability to induce euphoria.  As with any addictive substance, recovery from Ambien addiction may require addiction treatment and relapse prevention .

Drug Rehab Center - Bipolar

Bipolar I Disorder

According to the definition outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), bipolar I disorder, considered the most severe form of this mental illness is “characterized by one or more Manic or Mixed Episodes, usually accompanied by Major Depressive Episodes.”

In a major manic episode the patient may become delusional and even suffer from hallucinations, which are symptoms of psychosis.  If this occurs, the condition is called bio-polar 1 with psychotic features.  Only bipolar I disorder, by definition, can include such psychotic features. Bipolar I can seriously impair day-to-day functioning.

Other symptoms and characteristics of mania include:

• Grandiosity
• Decreased need for sleep
• Pressured speech
• Racing thoughts
• Distractibility
• Tendency to engage in behavior that could have serious consequences, such as spending recklessly or inappropriate sexual encounters
• Excess energy

Symptoms and characteristics of major depression include:

• Decreased energy
• Severe withdrawal from normal activities
• Weight loss or gain
• Despair
• Irritability
• Uncontrollable crying
• Thoughts of or attempts at suicide

BiPolar II Disorder

According to the definition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), bipolar II disorder is “characterized by one or more  Major Depressive Episodes accompanied by at least one Hypomanic Episode.” The key difference between bipolar I and bipolar II is that bipolar II has hypomanic but not manic episodes.  Also, while those with bipolar I disorder may experience additional psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations, bipolar II by definition cannot have psychotic features.

The signs which would lead to a diagnosis of bipolar II disorder are:

• One or more major depressive episodes
• At least one hypomanic episode
• There has never been a manic or mixed episode
• Another disorder is not responsible for symptoms
• Symptoms cause distress or impair functioning

Symptoms and characteristics of depression include:

• Decreased energy
• Weight loss or gain
• Despair
• Irritability
• Uncontrollable crying

Symptoms and characteristics of hypomania include:

• Grandiosity
• Decreased need for sleep
• Pressured speech
• Racing thoughts
• Distractibility
• Tendency to engage in behavior that could have serious consequences, such as spending recklessly or inappropriate sexual encounters
• Excess energy

It should be noted that the symptoms of hypomania are the same as for mania, but they are less severe.  Therefore, the official diagnostic criteria separating a diagnosis of bipolar II from that of bipolar I disorder is that hypomania does not cause marked impairment of functioning or require hospitalization.

Drug Rehab Center - Cyclothymia

Forms of Bipolar Disorder

According to the official US definition as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association, Cyclothymic Disorder – also called Cyclothymia – is “a chronic, fluctuating mood disturbance involving numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and numerous periods of depressive symptoms.”  Simply translated, this means it is a long-term condition where the person’s moods cycle between hypomania – a “high” that can be mild to fairly severe but does not include delusions, hallucinations or other psychotic features – and depression, also mild to fairly severe but not incapacitating or suicidal.

Diagnosing Cyclothymia:

• Symptoms do not qualify as Major Manic or Major Depressive Episodes;
• Symptoms never ease up for more than two months;
• There hasn’t been a Manic, Mixed or Depressive Episode in the first two years of symptoms;
• Another disorder is not responsible for symptoms; and

     Symptoms are not caused by a drug or general medical condition.

Drug Rehab Center - About CAMPRAL

What is Campral?

Campral (acamprosate calcium) Delayed-Release Tablets were approved by the FDA on July 29, 2004.  Campral is the first new medication approved for the treatment of alcohol dependence or alcoholism as it is commonly referred to, in a decade.

Campral is a medication that helps people stay alcohol-free in combination with counseling or support groups once they have stopped drinking.  Campral is thought to restore the normal brain balance, which has been disturbed in someone who is alcohol dependent,

You may have heard of other medications prescribed to help people stop drinking.  They work differently than Campral.  They either make people very ill if they drink even small amounts of alcohol or block the “high” associated with drinking alcohol.

Campral helps reduce the physical distress and emotional discomfort (e.g.: sweating, anxiety, sleep disturbances) associated with staying alcohol-free.  This, in combination with counseling and support groups, makes it easier for people not to drink.

In several clinical trials, Campral was shown to help up to 3 times more people stay alcohol-free than placebo pills (sugar pills).  In addition, for patients who did experience a slip or relapse, Campral prolonged the periods of abstinence and reduced the number and severity of relapses.

Campral is Safe and Well Tolerated
 You can take comfort in the fact that Campral has been used by over 1.5 million patients worldwide.  Campral can be used by people with mild to moderate liver problems.  Some people have experienced side effects such as diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, gas and itching.  The most common side effect diarrhea, usually resolved with time.

Campral can be taken with many other medications, including medications for anxiety, depression and sleep disorders.  Campral is not addictive.

Drug Rehab Center

You Can Start Campral When You are Alcohol-free
If you are interested in seeking treatment for alcoholism, talk to your doctor about Campral.  Treatment should begin as soon as possible following alcohol withdrawal, once you have achieved abstinence.  The recommended daily dose is two 333 mg tablets taken three times per day that you can take with your meals.  Should you relapse, treatment can be continued and you should discuss your relapse with your doctor.

Campral should be used a s part of a comprehensive management program that includes psychosocial support such as counseling and support groups.

Drug Rehab Center - Case Management & Communication

Challenges' goal is to provide comprehensive and ongoing case management for every client treated at our facility.  And, we are well aware of the fact that referents depend upon and need proactive updating and communication from clinical staff , case management staff, discharge /aftercare planning staff as well as alumni relations staff at regular intervals both during the clients stay at Challenges as well after their discharge.

After a client is admitted to Challenges the case management team will work directly with the clinical team during  every  stage of treatment.  The case management team will maintain contact with each client and will participate with each client to address every aspect of the clients needs while he/she is in treatment with us.  The case managers will participate in treatment planning, ongoing patient management as well as discharge planning.

The case manager will maintain regular communication with each referent and will facilitate the ongoing relationship between the referent and our clinical team while the patient is in treatment.  If a referent has any special or particular communication requirements, including the provision of records such as admission notes, progress notes, after care planning notes ,discharge summaries and others  the cases manager will diligently adhere to such requests. 

Drug Rehab Center