This April, DeKalb Community Service Board (CSB) proudly joins the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) to celebrate Alcohol Awareness Month. Alcohol Awareness Month in a national call to action to focus on a comprehensive approach to promote recovery and reduce underage drinking.
Carol Calvert is a full time clinician and therapist at DeKalb CSB’s DeKalb Addiction Clinic (DAC). In her role at DAC, Carol conducts patient assessments and leads individual and group therapy. Carol’s goal is to teach individuals the skills that they need to cope with life’s circumstances without using substances. Carol has worked in this profession for 30 years, spending 20 years in the Department of Corrections.
“What motivates me to continue with this work is seeing the repeated devastation that addiction causes in families and individuals,” states Carol. “Despite what society tells us, addiction and substance use is a disease of the brain. The brain changes and is literally hijacked by addiction leaving it incapable of functioning in a way that it should. With the proper treatment and support however, people do recover.”
What sets the DAC program apart from other treatment programs is its holistic approach to substance use treatment; providing the right treatment for individuals dealing with co-occurring disorders. Co-occurring disorder refers to the coexistence of both mental health and a substance use disorders. According to SAMHSA’s 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 7.9 million adults in the United States had co-occurring disorders in 2014.
In addition to the holistic approach to substance use treatment, DAC also provides a number of treatment options and programs that cater to each individual’s needs.
12-Step Program
DAC’s 12-step program plays a critical role for clients. “All of our clients are required as a part of treatment to attend 12-step meetings weekly to establish a network of sober support that will be with them long after they complete treatment,” states Carol. “The 12-step program offers individuals a blueprint for living a sober life.”
Family Education Group
DAC’s Family Education Group is for family members (parents, children, spouses, and significant others) of individuals in treatment. The group provides family members with education about the disease of addiction and provides a space for family members to talk about their concerns. Family members also learn how to support their loved one in recovery.
Addictive Disease Support Services
DAC has recovery coaches available to provide additional support to individuals in treatment, outside of their day to day treatment program. Recovery coaches assist with transporting individuals to therapy provide moral support to individuals during their recovery journey, and links them to resources available in the community.
Established in 1998, DeKalb CSB’s DeKalb Addiction Clinic has served as the primary location for the delivery of addiction services to individuals in need. Located at 455 Winn Way in Decatur, Georgia, the center offers a drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs to help individuals move towards the goal of achieving and maintaining recovery from substance related and other mental health disorders. Treatment services include group counseling, individual counseling, skill building, education, random drug screening, family treatment sessions, and case management delivered in a warm and supportive setting. Learn more by visiting us online at www.dekcsb.org or calling 404-892-4646.
