By Nina Culver The Addiction Recovery program at Kootenai Health has a new name, but it’s still the same, high-quality program with experienced staff ready to help people overcome their addictions. Recovery Addiction Uncommon Help for a Common Problem Addiction The program, formerly known as Chemical Dependency Services, is now Addiction Recovery Services. It offers treatment for people with substance use disorders, including those who may be struggling with other problems in addition to addiction, such as anxiety and depression. This ability to treat co-occurring disorders is one of the program’s unique strengths. Its team includes psychiatric pharmacists, trauma-certified counselors, therapists and nurses who can provide the individualized treatment a patient may need. “We renamed ourselves to highlight that we offer an array of services,” said program medical director and psychiatrist Eric Heidenreich, M.D. Addiction Recovery Services offers both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, along with the unique ability to have collaborative care with Kootenai Health’s Adult Psychiatric Unit. “Occasionally, we’ll have people go back and forth between these units,” Dr. Heidenreich said. Not lost in the crowd The inpatient program is limited to 16 people ages 18 and up. The hospital would like to expand the program, but not by too much, said unit manager Lisa Bunker, licensed clinical professional counselor. "There’s a boutique nature to having a small facility,” Lisa said. “Many patients have said they like being in a small program because they don’t feel lost in the crowd or overwhelmed.” The intensive outpatient program has both day and evening options for program participants. They meet in the day or evening three times a week for eight weeks. During this time, they participate in group treatment and receive support and education that is individualized for their unique needs and abilities. Groups are kept small to ensure every individual participant’s needs are met. Recovery Services 14
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