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Editor:
Last week, East Liverpool Chief John Lane announced that the city had received the state DART grant for $50,000 over the next two years. The city is to be congratulated on this achievement, and now have the ability to provide help to the many in the area suffering from drug addiction. Josh Lytle certainly is extending the support of his program as there has been a significant increase in the number of drug overdoses over the past several years.
I would like to take this opportunity to clarify what the Family Recovery Center does with the number of clients who have come through our doors seeking service. Yes, when appropriate, the center under the direction of its medical director may suggest the use of a certain drug in order to reinforce recovery for that individual. The use of buprenorphine in our treatment protocol is considered to be the gold standard within the Medication Assisted Treatment programs.
Unlike many others, throughout the area, our clients receive low dosages, are seen on a daily basis by our clinical staff, and are held accountable for their lives on a daily basis. Clients do not receive a higher dose of the medication, thereby making it very difficult for them to try and sell it to others in the community.
Further, our treatment protocols explicitly follow both the federal and state standards as to how clients are to be involved in their treatment regime. This includes participation in regular clinical sessions, random drug screens and attendance to least 3-5 support group meetings a week.
We pride ourselves on having this program in place for the last 12 years, and continue to support the individuals who participated in it throughout the years. Our staff maintain the full set of credentials in providing these services as well, including on-going training and education.
I would encourage you to look beyond the "one size fits all" concept and look to those who have served the community and county since 1973 as well. If my family physician told me I was diabetic, I would not only change my diet but also take the recommended medication to further enhance my recovery or improve my health. The same goes if! were suffering from PTSD-- I would by and learn as much as I could about the problem, and take my medication.
Please feel free to visit our location at 416 Jackson St., East Liverpool, and talk with the staff. If you have any questions, I can be reached at 330-424-1468.
Eloise V. Traina, M.A., M.B.A.
Family Recovery director