The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially lifted the global emergency declaration related to the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating a positive trend in containing the spread of the virus worldwide. Additionally, the United States' public health emergency has also ended. As a result, healthcare providers, including treatment providers, are navigating a new world with significant changes compared to the early months of 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to widespread changes in the healthcare industry, including the adoption of new protocols and technologies, which providers must continue to adapt to moving forward.
Just as the name implies, a Center of Excellence (CoE) designation in an addiction treatment provider ensures the treatment center will provide exemplary service in all aspects of addiction care, from treatment to technology. Qualifying as a CoE demonstrates that a facility is an industry leader for providing the highest quality of clinical care, using evidence-based and emerging promising practices, with substantiated positive outcomes.
We are living in an unfortunate time where addiction and addiction-related deaths have reached an all-time high. Many have seen this as an opportunity “get into the addiction business,” offering substandard treatment services in a resort-like setting.
While these accommodations may be appealing to some, achieving sobriety and building a foundation in recovery that can last a lifetime should be first and foremost.
Anyone can open a treatment center; however, not everyone can keep a treatment center open and running successfully.
Why do treatment centers, such as Elements Behavioral Health (EBH), who recently filed for bankruptcy, fail?
Read on to learn more.
Ascension Recovery Services’ team of experienced professionals have successfully launched addiction treatment centers that focus on two goals: quality care and a financially viable and sustainable business model. The need for quality addiction treatment continues to rise and starting your own treatment center can be a great way to have a profitable business that makes a difference. However, if you have decided to open your own treatment program, there are many factors to consider.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, nearly 15 million people ages 12 and older had an alcohol use disorder in 2019. AUD is a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by a decreased ability to control alcohol use despite social, occupational, or health consequences. Those who have alcohol addiction are often unaware of the adverse effect their drinking has on their friends, family, and loved ones, as well as their own physical and mental health.
As the United States is faced with one of its most formidable modern challenges, the widespread infectious disease known as COVID-19, behavioral health executives and investors are faced with the question of how best to respond. There are concerns about the future of the economy and even a possible recession. These concerns are valid. In addition, people are being asked, and in some cases required, to practice social distancing to reduce the spread of COVID-19. There are various reasons, however, that now is the time to invest in behavioral health startup and program expansions.
The goal to prevent and end homelessness is ongoing across the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), 552,830 people in the U.S. experienced homelessness on a single night in January of 2018. Over half of those that experienced homelessness did so in one of the nation’s 50 largest cities. [1] Reducing the number of individuals that are experiencing chronic homelessness calls for an evidence-based, compassionate, and strategic approach.
Under the best of circumstances, entering the job workforce can be an intimidating endeavor. For those individuals in early recovery from substance use disorder (SUD), it can be overwhelming. In addition to coping with the challenges of maintaining early sobriety, these individuals are faced with securing a satisfying job that pays a living wage and can support their recovery efforts. They have most likely been out of the workforce for an extended period and might have a criminal record or are facing legal issues that create a barrier to finding gainful employment. Further, finding suitable affordable housing and establishing addiction recovery support services are critical to successfully maintaining employment.
At Ascension Recovery Services (Ascension), we are experienced in the development of programs to integrate these individuals back into society and the job market through a financially sustainable job training and workforce reintegration program specific to SUD. Our expertise includes providing job training and placement opportunities, securing safe and affordable housing options when needed, and connecting individuals with wrap around peer support services. Ascension believes those in recovery deserve the support necessary for a seamless and successful transition back into their communities, and we are here to help.
OCTOBER IS SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
In 2011, National Substance Abuse Prevention Month began as an opportunity to recognize the importance of addiction awareness and prevention. It provides an opportunity to highlight the vital role of substance use prevention for individuals and communities alike. It is also a time to remember those who have lost their lives to substance abuse. Ascension Recovery Services (Ascension) encourages prevention efforts to ensure the health of teens and young adults.
National Recovery Month is held every September to bring awareness to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and mental health services. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines recovery as a process of change where individuals improve their overall health, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.
Recovery Month celebrates the positive progress brought forth in recovery. This month reinforces the message that treatment is effective, and people do recover. Every individual in recovery has a story of their journey.
One client, Kevin, began his journey with Ascension when we were contacted to facilitate an intervention. Since then, he has worked hard to continue in his recovery and become a source of hope for others. In honor of Recovery Month, Kevin shares his story.
