Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some commonly asked questions. Please feel free to reach out directly for any additional information you may require.
Services Related Questions:
1. Is the program confidential?
Yes, your health information cannot be disclosed without written permission. Some exceptions include disclosing information to medical personnel in case of a medical emergency, to report suspected child or elderly abuse/neglect, or if required by a court order. More information about patient confidentiality can be found in the handbook.
2. What is your approach to treatment?
ARI utilizes a medication assisted treatment (MAT) treatment approach. MAT is the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a whole-patient approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. More information about our treatment approach and how it works can be found under Our Services.
3. Are urine drug tests required by the program?
Yes, a urine drug screening test is required upon admission to the program. Random urine samples will also be required, at minimum 8 times per year and are included in the treatment fee. Additional samples may be required as clinically appropriate. If you cannot provide or refuse to provide a urine screen the results will be listed as “assumed positive, refused to provide”.
Admission Related Questions:
1. What are the criteria for determining eligibility for admission to ARI?
- To be eligible for admission to ARI, you must meet the following criteria:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Current physiological dependent on opiates
- Consent in writing to voluntarily participate in Methadone treatment
There can be some exceptions to these criteria. More information about admission requirements can be found on the Admissions page.
2. What is the process for being admitted to the program?
- After the screening process has been completed, the prospective patient will meet with the counselor to complete all initial paperwork and start developing the initial treatment plan. A medical examination and related lab work will be completed, which include the following:
- Urine specimen submitted for drug screening and urinalysis
- TB test and chest x-ray if the skin test was ever previously positive
- Screening test for syphilis, HCV, HIV
- Other laboratory tests as clinically indicated and approved by ARI and other tests required by state regulatory/licensing agencies
- Urine pregnancy tests are performed on all admissions of patients with child-bearing potential
3. What is the cost associated with the ARI program?
ARI accepts several insurance plans, but the amount covered by insurance plans may vary by carrier. Please reach out to a member of the office staff if you have questions about insurance or payments. If you do not have insurance that ARI accepts the weekly fee is $90.00
Methadone Related Questions:
1. Isn’t Methadone just substituting one drug for another?
Though Methadone is a medication that is opioid-based, it is fundamentally different from short acting opioids such as heroin and prescription painkillers. The latter go right to the brain and narcotize the individual, causing sedation and euphoria known as a “high.” In contrast, addiction medications like Methadone reduce drug cravings and prevent relapse without causing a “high.” It helps people disengage from drug seeking and related criminal behavior and become more receptive to behavioral treatments.
2. Does Methadone impair mental function?
When used as prescribed, Methadone is safe and effective and does not usually affect mental function. Its side effects are usually minimal and short-lived, most often occurring in the early stages of treatment. Some side effects may include restlessness, weakness, headache, insomnia, agitation, and disorientation. Don’t drive or operate machinery after receiving an increased dose or starting a new medication (even over the counter medications), until you have determined
3. How are medication assisted treatment programs like ARI monitored?
ARI is a license facility by BHDDH along with CARF. ARI is monitored by BHDDH, CARF, SAMHSA, DEA and OHHS.
4. How long does medication assisted treatment take to work?
There is no one size fits all duration for MAT. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) recommends a “phased approach”, beginning with stabilization (withdrawal management, assessment, medication induction, and psychosocial counseling), and moving to a middle phase that emphasizes medication maintenance and deeper work in counseling. The third phase is “ongoing rehabilitation”, when the patient and provider can choose to taper off medication or pursue longer term maintenance, depending on the patient’s needs. For some patients, MAT could be indefinite. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) describes addiction medications as an “essential component of an ongoing treatment plan” to enable individuals to “take control of their health and their lives.” For Methadone maintenance, NIDA states that “12 months of treatment is the minimum.”