Vital Signs - September 2006

Las Vegas Recovery Center

Help for Those with Addictions

Addiction is not a weakness," explained Mel Pohl, M.D., medical director of Las Vegas Recovery Center (LVRC). "It’s not about willpower. It’s a brain disease. The brain of an addict is hard-wired differently from non-addicts; when addicts use a substance, they are more likely to lose control and have more dysfunction in their life. The end result of addiction is damaged relationships, loss of self-respect and severe medical complications."

LVRC offers tools to help clients learn how to live a drug-free life. This private, 41-bed, medically-managed, inpatient addiction-treatment facility serves adults over the age of 18. It is fully licensed by the state of Nevada and accredited by JCAHO (Joint Commission of the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations). Pohl is an addiction specialist with more than 25 years’ experience in treating substance abuse. He is a board-certified physician, a Fellow of American Family Practice and an accomplished author and lecturer.

From CEO Stuart Smith to the front-line counselors, 80 percent of LVRC staff has had direct experience with the disease of addiction. "We treat everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of age, type or complexity of their condition", said Pohl.

Individualized treatment begins with detoxification if needed, with round-the-clock nursing care, physician supervision and appropriate medications to minimize symptoms. LVRC is Nevada’s only private, free-standing addiction-treatment facility fully licensed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and equipped for methadone detoxification.

After an intense medical and psychological evaluation, clients enter the appropriate inpatient program designed specifically for that individual and his or her family. The clinical director, Frank Szabo, LADC, has over 30 years’ personal and professional experience in recovery and addiction treatment. He leads the treatment team in establishing a targeted program that includes specialized counseling, education and research-based best practices. "We help people make the choice not to relapse," said Pohl. "We do not maintain anyone’s recovery; they have to maintain their own. We offer professional expertise and support in solving problems." Outpatient therapy follows, available at one of LVRC’s alternate locations.

LVRC also offers a comprehensive program for those whose lives are so compromised by pain that they have been unable to manage without medication. The clinic’s multi-disciplinary approach includes detoxification followed by residential treatment with modalities such as physical therapy, yoga, Chi Kung, chiropractic care, acupuncture and massage. The goal is to help patients discover alternative ways to manage their pain without medication.

Families are not forgotten. LVRC’s resident therapist is dually licensed in marriage/family therapy and drug/alcohol counseling. She assists families affected by substance abuse, and prepares them for the return of the client to a healthy family environment.

Transitioning from treatment to the community can be difficult, noted Pohl, who said the clinic’s staff offers support during this period. LVRC invites clients to attend weekly group meetings and continue in relapse-prevention education at no additional charge.

"Together we can achieve real recovery results that will not only help clients find freedom from active addiction, but can show them how to rebuild their lives, restore broken families, and realize lost dreams," said Pohl.

September 2006 is the 17th annual National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.