Adult Outpatient Q&A

1. Should I Receive Outpatient or Inpatient/Residential Treatment?
   1. Recovery looks different for each person. Our specialized intake team is here to help you determine the best choice.
      1. In outpatient treatment, individuals stay in their own homes while receiving care.
      2. Inpatient/residential treatment involves full-time residence in the treatment program, providing around-the-clock care and supervision.
   2. To determine the most suitable option for you, contact us at 303-336-1600.
2. What types of addiction do you treat at the ARTS Adult Outpatient Clinics?
   1. We help with addiction to substances such as drugs, alcohol, and also assist with mental health issues that occur alongside addiction.
3. What ages can receive treatment at the ARTS Adult Outpatient Clinics?
   1. Adults aged 18 and older can participate in the ARTS Adult Outpatient Programs.
   2. At ARTS Adult Outpatient, we also consider treatment for individuals under 18, if specific requirements are met. If you’re under 18 and seeking treatment, you can also explore options through ARTS Synergy Adolescent Outpatient Treatment. Feel free to call us at 303-336-1600 for more information.
4. Where are the ARTS Adult Outpatient Clinics located?
   1. For a complete list of our clinic locations and to learn more about each clinic’s specialty focus, please click here.
5. Are the ARTS Adult Outpatient Clinics licensed?
   1. Yes, our Adult Outpatient Clinics are licensed by the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration. Additionally, clinics providing Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), are Federally Certified Opioid Treatment Programs and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) licensed. Our patients are cared for by a team of experienced professionals, including certified addiction counselors, licensed social workers, counselors, psychologists, doctors, and nurses.
6. How can I pay for treatment at the ARTS Adult Outpatient Clinics?
   1. ARTS accepts Medicaid (Health First Colorado), Medicare for some treatments, referrals through Kaiser Permanente, or Veteran’s Administration.
   2. If ARTS is not in-network for your insurance plan, don’t worry. Our billing department may be able to assist you with submitting claims.
   3. If you’re referred for treatment by criminal justice programs, they might cover part or all of your treatment expenses using payment vouchers.
   4. If you’re paying out of pocket, we offer a sliding scale payment option based on your income.
7. What are the hours of operation for the ARTS Adult Outpatient Services?
   1. Hours do vary at our different clinics, however in general, we’re open Monday to Friday from 5:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
   2. On Saturdays, our hours are from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
   3. ARTS clinic locations are closed on Sundays and on Federal and State holidays.
8. How do I get treatment?
   1. Here are the steps to get started:
      1. Contact us:
         1. Call us at 303-336-1600, or you can walk into any of our four clinics.
         2. We also accept referrals from various sources, including county social service departments, probation, the Department of Corrections, human services agencies, physicians, impaired professional diversionary programs, and families.
      2. Once you reach out, we’ll schedule an intake assessment. Our aim is to schedule your intake assessment on the same day you call or walk in.
      3. After the assessment, our medical and clinical team will determine the level of treatment necessary for you.
      4. Services may begin on the same day that your intake assessment is completed or soon thereafter.
9. What services does ARTS Adult Outpatient offer?
   1. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): We provide options like Methadone, Buprenorphine (Suboxone), Vivitrol, Antabuse, and Naltrexone.
   2. Treatment for anyone needing support in recovering from substance use
   3. Specialized services for persons living with HIV
   4. Specialized services for women, pregnant women, and women with young children
   5. Treatment and services for patients who inject drugs
   6. Traditional Outpatient Services
   7. Enhanced Outpatient Services
   8. Intensive Outpatient Program
   9. DUI Level II and DUI Level II Plus 4 Education and Therapy
   10. Support services tailored for those involved with the criminal justice system.
   11. Aftercare services to support you after treatment.
10. What treatment approaches are used at the ARTS Adult Outpatient Clinics?
    1. Trauma-focused groups
    2. Peer led groups facilitated by persons in recovery
    3. Matrix Model
    4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
    5. Solution-Focused Therapy
    6. Strategies for Self-Improvement and Change (SSIC)
    7. Relapse Prevention
    8. Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT)
    9. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
    10. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
11. Are the ARTS Adult Outpatient Clinics wheelchair accessible?
    1. Yes, all of our Adult Outpatient buildings are wheelchair accessible.

Methadone Q&A

1. What is Methadone?
   1. Methadone is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), which is when someone struggles with opioid addiction. It might sound strange that an opioid can treat addiction, but methadone actually helps by blocking the good feelings from other, more addictive opioids. This helps reduce cravings. Methadone also changes how your body reacts to pain, which can help ease the discomfort of opioid withdrawal.
2. How does methadone work?
   1. Methadone is a medication that acts similarly to morphine and other narcotic drugs. In maintenance treatment, patients are given enough methadone to ward off opiate withdrawal symptoms, but not enough to induce narcotic effects.
3. Does methadone make patients feel “high” or affect normal functioning?
   1. No, when used correctly in opioid maintenance treatment, methadone doesn’t cause euphoria, sedation, or pain relief. It doesn’t impair motor skills, mental abilities, or employability.
4. Is taking methadone trading one addiction for another?
   1. No, it’s not. Methadone is actually a tool to help individuals recover from opioid addiction. Methadone works differently in the body compared to narcotics that are abused for their euphoric effects. Instead of causing a high, methadone stabilizes the body. When used as directed, methadone helps patients feel physically, emotionally, and mentally balanced without causing drowsiness or mood swings. It allows them to lead normal lives, including driving, working, and spending time with family. Methadone helps create a stable foundation for patients overcoming opioid addiction, without causing the harmful effects associated with drug use.
5. Is Methadone safe and effective?
   1. Yes, when taken as directed. Methadone medication is specifically tailored for the individual patient.
6. How Effective Is Methadone Treatment?
   1. When you take methadone through a methadone clinic, it’s safe and effective in treating opioid addiction. Studies over 50+ years have shown that methadone not only helps reduce opioid use but also increases the chances of patients sticking with their treatment.
7. How long should methadone treatment last?
   1. Studies indicate that the greater the length in treatment, the more positive the results for the patient. Your counselor and physician will work with you to decide how long your treatment should be, based on what’s best for you.
8. Is methadone safe to take during pregnancy?
   1. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding can safely take methadone. It doesn’t harm the child’s development and is often recommended for pregnant women with opioid dependence. Methadone is much safer for both the mother and baby than continued heroin use during pregnancy. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult with their medical practitioner as well.
9. Who takes Methadone?
   1. Patients with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD): This is for people who are struggling with addiction to opioids and need support to overcome it. Methadone can help by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it easier to stop using opioids.For Pregnant Patients with Opioid Addiction: Pregnant women who are dealing with opioid addiction may be prescribed methadone to help manage their symptoms safely during pregnancy.

      Methadone can be used to treat substance use disorder (addiction) to both synthetic opioids: fentanyl, carfentanil, oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, tramadol, heroin and natural opioids like opium, morphine, and codeine.