CCAP Treating Opioid Use Disorder through Suboxone

The words “epidemic” and “opioid use disorder” are words which make a lot people feel very uncomfortable. These are words which we must speak out loud so we can face, head-on, the enormity of a problem that is sweeping across our towns, cities and country. These words speak of a growing crisis that cannot be denied, ignored or underestimated.

An opioid user might ask themselves these three questions to determine the degree to which their use has consumed their lives and interfered with normal activities: “Does my opioid use disrupt my relationships with my family? Does my opioid use disrupt my ability to keep or perform my job? Does my opioid use and the resultant behaviors put me at risk with the law?” A positive answer to these questions should bring this user to the treatments offered at CCAP’s Family Health Centers and to its Suboxone program.

Dr. Ed Westrick, a physician at CCAP who is licensed to prescribe Suboxone, explains that Suboxone is a highly effective way to treat adults with opioid use disorder. It is a drug which can, in conjunction with intensive counseling and psychological support, mitigate the effects of withdrawal and reduce the dependence on prescription pain killers. It is part of a “Medication Assisted Treatment” approach that will break the destructive cycle of abuse.

Those seeking help will find professional care and guidance from the Comprehensive Community Action Program. CCAP was created in 1965 and opened its Family Health Services division in 1971. It is Cranston’s only community health center that provides affordable and high-quality care. In keeping with the mission and values of CCAP, their services are provided to all, regardless of insurance status or the ability to pay. Their sites, conveniently located in Cranston, Warwick and Coventry, offer a sliding fee scale for those who qualify.

Since 2006, CCAP has received uninterrupted accreditation by the Joint Commission. This certification is nationally recognized as a symbol of quality that reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to meeting and exceeding certain performance standards. This expectation of excellence applies to every program run by CCAP, including its Suboxone initiative. Here, opioid users will find a dedicated team of professionals who have one goal in mind ~ to help you get, and STAY, healthy.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an opioid use disorder, it is imperative that you contact the professionals at CCAP at this number: 401-467-9610. Call today. Life-saving help is available.

How to Talk About Your Mental Health

Everyone feels low from time to time, so it’s not always easy to know when it is part-and-parcel of daily life, and when it’s time to seek help. In most cases, it is short-term and self-correcting, but for a significant minority this is not the case. For those individuals, it is important to seek treatment just as you would any other health condition. Here we discuss six warning signs which, together, might indicate that it’s time to seek professional help.

What are the signs?

1. You’ve been feeling low or irritable for most of the day, every day for two weeks or more. You might have found yourself worrying about past or future events for long periods of time, or simply feeling sad, cross or tearful. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize a gradual change – have others noticed that you don’t seem your usual self?
2. You’ve lost interest in activities that you used to enjoy. Perhaps you have been seeing less of your friends or family recently, have stopped going to the gym, or cooking balanced meals. This is really about recognizing changes in what’s normal for you – no one is saying you have to exercise five times a week or eat your greens, but changes in your routine can offer concrete indications that your mood is changing.
3. You are struggling to concentrate. You might notice that you struggle to focus when reading or watching television, for example, or to follow the thread of a spoken conversation. This could be affecting your performance at work, or limiting your ability to perform routine tasks such as food shopping. Again, we are looking for a change in what’s normal for you, so if concentration has always been something you find tricky there is little cause for concern.

Bear in mind that no one of these signs is in itself indicative of depression, and there are other, perfectly good reasons for each of these symptoms occurring. It’s also important to know that there are several types of depression and each can present in different ways – read more about types of depression. A GP is always a good first port of call, as they can signpost you towards more specialist services if necessary. Otherwise, if you are sure you’d like to see a mental health professional, consider making an appointment to see a psychiatrist who will be able to give you a diagnosis and advise you on which treatment might work best for you

A GP is always a good first port of call, as they can signpost you towards more specialist services if necessary. Otherwise, if you are sure you’d like to see a mental health professional, consider making an appointment to see a psychiatrist.

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.

– Robert Frost