For All Your Frequently Asked Questions

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[spoiler title=” Does my Medical Aid cover my treatment?”] Yes, as addiction is classified as a medical disease, and hence falls under category of “prescribed minimal benefits” most medical aids cover this cost. We will get the necessary authorization from your medical aid society.[/spoiler]

[spoiler title=” Can a program be designed to accommodate my special needs/circumstances?”] Yes, various components of our program can be done on an out -patient basis, or at times to suit individual needs.[/spoiler]

[spoiler title=”How Does ARCA Work with Insurance Companies?”]The intensity and duration of treatment offered at ARCA does not fit the requirement imposed by insurance. We do not place any limits on the individual, group and family sessions and psychiatric visits and these services are offered for the full six-month duration. ARCA however will provide an itemized bill for you to claim reimbursement. The amount of reimbursement is based on the type of policy and the services used.[/spoiler]

[spoiler title=”How do you measure success?”]Addictive disorders impact the patient and their families in multiple ways. Measuring success is not just helping patients get off the alcohol or drugs. At ARCA we measure success by looking at several parameters including sobriety, family and social relationships, work and educational functioning and developing recovery support.[/spoiler]

[spoiler title=”Do I Need to Take these Medications for the Rest of my Life?”]The medications used presently are radically different from the older medications. These medications are neither non-addicting or have a very low abuse potential and are generally taken for a 3 – 6 month period – long enough for the brain to heal from the effects of the drugs and alcohol. Some medications can be taken for a longer time to protect the patients from relapsing.[/spoiler]

[spoiler title=”Addiction”]Addiction is a ’brain’ disease that affects the pleasure system. There is complex interaction of messenger chemicals, receptors, memory, motivation and emotions. This understanding has led to the development of highly effective medications that when combined with behavioral therapies, restore the disruption caused by drugs and alcohol.[/spoiler]

[spoiler title=”Anti Craving Medication”]The new classes of anti craving medications are radically different than the drugs used i n the past. How are they different? These medications are safe, effective and are either non -addicting or have a low abuse potential? and have to be used for a limited period of time-three to six months.[/spoiler][spoiler title=”How Does Your Program Differ from Other Programs?”]We consider addictive disorders as a chronic medical disease with a strong behavioral component. Any request for help should be treated as a crisis and ARCA provides same day appointments and medical treatment. We medically detox patients to provide relief from the withdrawal, anxiety, restlessness etc. and seamlessly start you on anti-craving medications to block the cravings for alcohol or drugs. One of the most effective relapse prevention therapies is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which is utilized at ARCA.[/spoiler]

[spoiler title=”What Can I Expect at ARCA?”]A caring well-trained professional team offering you state -of-the -art individualized treatment from day one to the end of the program. Each member of the team works with you to achieve your goal of long-term recovery. You and your identified family members have access to our treatment team at the clinic on weekdays and via phone or email 24 hours a day.[/spoiler]

[spoiler title=”Why Medications?”]Medications are critical during the detox process. ARCA considers ‘cold turkey’ detox as inhumane which may compel the patient to discontinue treatment. The detox medications provide relief from the withdrawal symptoms and protection from potentially life -threatening effects like seizures. Medications are equally critical to blunt the cravings that can reoccur during treatment. When cravings are effectively controlled the patient becomes more engaged in long-term recovery through individual, group and family counseling.[/spoiler]

[spoiler title=” Special meals?”] As pre-arranged, special meals eg Halaal or Kosher will be catered for.[/spoiler]