Narconon presents paper with psych rehab at National Drug Court Conference

[CommunicatorIC]

Narconon presents paper with psych rehab at National Drug Court Conference.

The titles of the press release and this OP are a bit misleading. The presentation was not to a "National Drug Court Conference," but instead to a conference of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals.

National Association of Drug Court Professionals
http://www.nadcp.org/

Paper referenced and linked in press release: A Simplified Method for Routine Outcome Monitoring after Drug Abuse Treatment
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3782393/

Press release: Narconon International and Chestnut Health Systems Present “Routine Outcome Monitoring” at National Drug Court Conference
http://www.prweb.com/releases/narconon-outcomes/drug-court-conference/prweb11920213.htm

Research is clear: treatment works—but does a specific treatment in a specific setting work? Routine collection of data from individuals who are completing drug treatment and returning to their families or communities is essential not only to help foster continued recovery but also to monitor and maintain the quality of care provided. Despite the clear benefits to treatment quality and results, implementing routine monitoring has proven challenging—until now.

As presented to the 20th Annual Training Conference of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) in Anaheim, California held at the end of May, 2014, routine collection of post-treatment data to maintain high quality programs can be accomplished.

Between 2004-2007, a research team lead by Dr. Richard Lennox, senior scientist at Chestnut Health Systems, Inc. collaborated with Narconon Arrowhead in Oklahoma to develop a simplified system that obtains post-treatment sobriety and recidivism rates along with key indicators of social functioning with approximately 20 interview questions. Marie Sternquist of the Chestnut Health Systems research team reviewed key system components that make it work within the confines of even small, underfunded programs.

Lennox compared this simple evidence-gathering procedure favorably to more complex and much more expensive outcome studies. “It is fine to have detailed evidence gleaned from one good study,” said Lennox, “but most of you want to know how your treatment program is doing now, not five or ten years ago. This ROM method helps you get continuing present time ‘snapshots’ of how things are going.”

Narconon International President Mr. Clark Carr explained to conference attendees that the use of this system by Narconon centers small and large has benefited clients greatly. The ROM survey system was also used by Narconon Eslov in Sweden, he said, to measure three years of results. Both Eslov and Arrowhead, Carr said, found similar low rates of relapse reported, which they credited in part to Narconon’s post-program long-term follow-up of graduates, coupled with the ROM survey.

You can access the published paper on the ROM survey procedure at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3782393/.

Interestingly, Narconon International apparently presented the paper with a rehab facility, Chestnut Health Systems, the offers psychiatric services:

http://www.chestnut.org/MentalHealthServices/PsychiatricServices

Psychiatric Services

Chestnut Health Systems' outpatient treatment team includes consulting psychiatrists who provide expert evaluation and medical management of mental health and substance abuse issues.

Within Chestnut, psychiatric consultation occurs when a person or family is engaged in a treatment program. The psychiatrist is a member of the treatment team. Most of the counseling, therapy and support provided to the persons we serve is provided by trained therapists, social workers, nurses, and counselors.

Persons and families in treatment will benefit from conferring with both their therapist and a staff psychiatrist to determine the most appropriate treatment methods for them.

Medication can sometimes be useful in relieving symptoms of panic, confusion, obsessions, tics, anger, depression, sadness, and hyperactivity. Medication is prescribed as part of a treatment plan, which typically includes therapy, education, and community support.

EDITED TO ADD:

http://www.chestnut.org/MentalHealthServices/OtherServices/MedicationPlus

Medication Plus Program

Chestnut Health Systems' Medication Plus Program is a unique appointment system for adults 18 and over allow them to receive multiple services during the same appointment time. No more running from one appointment to another on different days. All services are offered in a two hour block of time.

The Medication Plus Program is working to meet a growing need in our community for persons who need medication for psychiatric concerns and who are experiencing difficulty finding a prescriber who is willing to take new Medicaid clients.

Due to the high demand for services, we are unable to accept walk in appointments. Patients must have an appointment. In most instances, patients are able to get an appointment within five to seven working days from the initial call to us.


Services Offered Through Medication Plus


Psychiatric and Medication Services - Our professional psychiatric Nurse Practioner (APN) will provide a thorough evaluation and appropriate medication deemed necessary. Nursing staff are here to measure vital signs and wellness concerns.

Assistance with Obtaining Benefits and Access to Resources Available - Our staff are here to help you with public aid, food stamps, Social Security, transportation, housing and access to other resources available in our community.

Crisis Intervention - If you are experiencing a crisis, our staff will provide one-on-one Crisis Intervention during your Medication Plus visit. In addition, our Crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week (618.877.0316).

Genoa Pharmacy - Chestnut Health Systems has a pharmacy onsite. Genoa Pharmacy is located at our Belleville and Granite City offices and can fill prescriptions while you wait.


Hours of Service

Medication Plus service is offered on Friday and alternates between Chestnut's Belleville and Granite City locations. Specific times will be assigned when when the first appointment is made and at follow up visits thereafter.

Initial Appointment

The initial visit may take up to two hours as trained staff evaluate the patient's needs and help establish goals to meet those needs. Follow up visits will require significantly less time.

Referrals

New referrals are welcomed and Chestnut accepts new Medicaid clients. To make a referral, contact our Medication Plus Coordinator at 618.877.4420.

EDITED TO ADD TO CONFIRM I HAD THE RIGHT ENTITY THAT COOPERATED WITH NARCONON INTERNATIONAL:

http://www.chestnut.org/LI/LighthouseStaff

Richard D. Lennox (Ph.D., 1985, Texas Tech University) Specialty areas: Application of structural equation modeling to the advancement of applied measurement, the use of routine outcome monitoring for evaluation and quality assurance, the improvement of EAP evaluation methods.