Carlisle-based health center ready to support residents battling addiction during COVID-19 pandemic
CARLISLE, PA (September 10, 2020) – Sadler Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center providing community-based comprehensive primary care, dental care, behavioral health and support services at its centers in downtown Carlisle and Loysville, announced today during the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Recovery Month that it is accepting new patients into its medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program.
“Established nearly three years ago at Sadler, our MAT program is unique to our area and has helped many struggling with substance use to get and stay on the path to recovery,” Manal El Harrak, Chief Executive Officer of Sadler Health Center, said. “Our compassionate team of well-trained and experienced professionals offers a clinically proven combination of medication and counseling to combat opioid addiction.”
Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, combines medications with behavioral therapies to effectively help those addicted to opioids and other illicit drugs. Buprenorphine, which is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating dependence, blocks opioid receptors and prevents cravings.
“Addiction is not a moral failing,” Dr. Lakshmi Polavarapu, Physician at Sadler Health Center, explained. “It is a complex disease of the brain. We have come a long way in helping the community grasp that addiction is a disease that involves changes in the functioning of the individual brain,” she added.
Many of Sadler’s patients are finding hope and success in the combination of medication with counseling and therapy sessions where the health center gets to the root causes of the addiction and helps manage the triggers. MAT eases the cravings for patients while they work on changing their mindset and behaviors.
Sadler’s medication-assisted treatment team consists of specially trained and certified prescribers; behavioral health specialists; and a behavioral health case manager who collaborates with the RASE Project and other community resources to offer a comprehensive and holistic approach that supports better patient outcomes.
“We understand that this global pandemic and public health crisis has created uncertainty, stress, anxiety and disruptions to life,” El Harrak said. “For those in our community who have fallen victim to addiction, we are here for you and ready to provide hope, support and a path to recovery.”
If you are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction and want more information, please contact Sadler Health Center at 717-218-6670 or visit the website at www.SadlerHealth.org/MAT to view the recovery journeys of others.