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If you’re ready to seek treatment personally, or are hoping to help out a family member or friend struggling with addiction, you most likely have questions. Read through our frequently asked questions below, but please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time for more information.

At RTB, treatment is available for abuse of any drugs and/or alcohol but we specialize in treating and managing opiate addiction. Some common opiates that you may have heard of include Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Vicodin, OxyContin, Darvocet, Percocet, Morphine, Fentanyl and Oxy,and Heroin.

Raise the Bottom is a voluntary treatment program. Anyone over 18 who is seeking freedom from active addiction is welcome here.

The first step towards recovery is contacting us! For this reason, we are available by phone or email and our office is open six days a week. We take appointments and in most cases, can accommodate admission walk-ins Monday – Friday 6:00am to 9.30am. Your initial appointment may take up to 2 hours and will consist of an orientation to the facility, review patient handbook and applicable policies and procedures; a blood draw, urinalysis, full physical and complete bio-psychosocial assessment. If you are seeking treatment for an opiate addiction and are admitted to our program, you will receive your first dose of medication at this appointment.

Unlike physical dependence, addiction is a disease.

Addiction is a condition that manifests itself as uncontrollable cravings, the inability to control or manage your use, an obsessive and/or compulsive desire to use, and continuing to use despite doing harm to yourself or others. Uncontrollable cravings prompt the destructive behaviors of addiction. These cravings are rooted in the altered brain biology of those who suffer from Substance Use Disorders. Recovery is the process of reversing, to the extent possible, these brain changes. This is accomplished through therapy and replacing the addictive behaviors with healthy alternative behaviors. Treatment and recovery is a very personal experience and length will vary by the individual.

Opioids, to include prescription pain medications and heroin, attach to the opioid receptors in the brain, which stimulate the release of dopamine and produce pleasurable feelings. When the opioid eventually detaches from the receptors, people experience withdrawal and cravings and have a strong desire to repeat the experience. The need to satisfy cravings or avoid withdrawal can be so intense that people who want to stop taking opioids find it difficult to do so. Those who have opioid dependence may find themselves doing things they would not ordinarily do in order to obtain more of the drug they crave. For this reason, even though opioid dependence is a medical condition and not a moral failing, it can drive behavior.
 
Drug use often begins as a choice, but frequent use can cause the brain cells to change the way they are supposed to work, resulting in physical dependence. Because the brain and thus the body become physically dependent on the drug, each time the opioid begins to wear off, the person will have withdrawal symptoms to include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, chills, cravings, agitation, anxiety, etc. For these reasons, the brain and body become dependent on opioids not to produce pleasurable feelings, but rather, to not feel sick. Researchers have discovered that many drugs, including opioids, cause long-term changes in the brain. These changes can cause people to have cravings years after they stop taking drugs. Research has shown that addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease, but treatment with medication and counseling can help achieve recovery.

Evidence-based addiction treatment is aimed at correcting and reversing the changes in brain cells associated with addiction. Medication Assisted Treatment works by stabilizing the patient on medication to suppress their symptoms and cravings while allowing them to focus on and make behavioral changes that will rewire the brain and reverse cell changes caused by addiction. Once the patient is stabilized on medication (Methadone, Suboxone, Vivitrol, etc.), they can start the real work of overcoming their addiction by engaging in counseling and making the necessary behavioral changes to re-engage in a substance free lifestyle. Eventually, patients will begin a taper (slow weaning off) of medication to remove any remaining physical dependency.

Treatment works best when you take your prescribed medication daily. If an emergency occurs and you are unable to come to the clinic, please call and notify staff. If you miss 2 days or more your medication will automatically be reduced to half of your normal dose upon return to ensure your safety.

If you do not come to the clinic for 10 days in a row, upon return, you will need to see a provider for an assessment and new medication orders. You will likely have to wait to see the physician or nurse practitioner; do not expect to be seen immediately. If you do not come to the clinic for 30 days, you will be discharged.

If you are experiencing problems that are preventing you from regularly attending, please discuss this with your counselor.
At some point during your treatment, you may be given take-home medication privileges. A number of factors are considered when providing take-home privileges. These factors include, but are not limited to, approval by the physician, amount of time in treatment, compliance with treatment requirements, attendance of group and individual counseling and urinalysis testing showing no illicit or non-prescribed substances

Yes. Information regarding your health care, including payment for health care, is protected by two federal laws: the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), and the Confidentiality Law, 42, U.S.C. Under these laws, Raise the Bottom may not disclose to others that you attend the program, disclose any information identifying you as an alcohol or drug abuser, or disclose any other protected information except as permitted by federal law. Raise the Bottom must obtain your written consent before it can disclose information about you for payment purposes. Generally, you must also sign a written consent before RTB can share information for treatment purposes or for health care operations. You may revoke any such written consent either verbally or in writing. Under certain circumstances, federal law permits Raise the Bottom to disclose information without your written permission:

  • Pursuant to an agreement with a qualified service organization / business associate; For research, audit or evaluations;
  • To report a crime committed on Raise The Bottom premises or against Raise the Bottom personnel;
  • To medical personnel in a medical emergency;
  • To appropriate authorities to report suspected child abuse or neglect;
    Within RTB, certain staff members will have access to your confidential health-related information on a need to know basis. This information is shared to provide you with the best substance abuse treatment, medical care, and referral and support services. If you have any questions about any of these rights or about your treatment, please contact your counselor.

Methadone and Suboxone can cause death if too much is taken or if it is taken with alcohol, Benzodiazepines, and/or some other medications. Methadone and Suboxone are central nervous system depressants, and due to them being long acting medications, complications may occur long after ingestion.
Symptoms of an overdose include:

  • Slow, difficult or absent breathing
  • Closing / swelling of throat
  • Bluish skin or fingernails and/or lips
  • Weak, slow or absent pulse
  • Disorientation
  • Won’t respond to voice or touch
  • Vomiting
  • Swelling of lips or tongue
  • Pinpoint pupils

 

GIVE NARCAN IF AVAILABLE – CONTACT 911 IMMEDIATELY

Traveling internationally while on Methadone or Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) requires careful planning due to varying legal
restrictions, customs regulations, and healthcare systems. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare:

Research the Destination Country laws.
● Visit the embassy website of the country you’re visiting.
● Search for “controlled substances” or “importing medication.”

Get a Doctor’s Letter
● Your full name and passport number
● Diagnosis (e.g., opioid use disorder)
● Medication name, dosage, and schedule
● Physician’s contact information and license number
● Statement of medical necessity for travel
● Bring both printed and digital copies of your documents.