Addiction, Treatment and Recovery

             An organized monitoring program is now offered to all patients who complete at least 90 days of treatment at the Betty Ford Center. 

            The new service is contracted through Southworth Associates, an organization with over 15 years of experience in this field.  It is designed as an extension of residential treatment and is intended to help patients follow through with their aftercare recommendations. 

            Accountability is a valuable component of the monitoring program and a critical part of recovery from alcoholism and addiction.  Patients newly out of treatment are given this opportunity to create and maintain a strong program, knowing that self-reporting will enhance their recovery while keeping them responsible.

            Continuity is provided through one monitor who serves as the mediator of information, testing, reporting and follow-up for a client.

            The following elements are included in the monitoring program:

• 12-Step meeting attendance
• Outpatient/aftercare treatment
• Therapy sessions
• Phone calls to patient on an as-needed basis
• Random alcohol and drug testing (additional cost to patient)
• Work site monitor (when appropriate)

            Dr. Harry Haroutunian, Physician Director of the Betty Ford Center Residential Day Treatment program, says, “Monitoring is much more than assuring abstinence from one’s drug of choice.  A monitoring program records the patient’s recovery status, program commitment, meeting attendance, sponsorship contact and service commitment.  There is simply no substitute for aftercare monitoring to assure the best possible chance for long-term recovery.  Monitoring experience for physicians and pilots yields sobriety rates of over 85% after five years.  It should be offered to everyone with the disease of chemical dependency.  Most importantly, it is not punishment or penalty.  It is the safety net under the tightrope of life on which we all must walk.”

Related posts:

1. Focused Continuing Care: One-Year, Extended Care at Betty Ford Center
2. 90-Day Treatment Program Launched At Betty Ford Center