Valley Forge Medical Center
|
Valley Forge Medical Center
|
         
|
Addiction to pain medication is a common diagnosis and focus of treatment at Valley Forge Medical Center and Hospital. Physical pain, if not well managed, often acts as a primary trigger for addictive processes. The interdependence of pain management and addiction requires a high level of medical expertise to generate consistently successful outcomes. Forge Medical Center and Hospital utilizes various proven therapeutic modalities, including the Addiction-Free Pain Management® System, to target the causes of pain. Thus, the patient receives the most comprehensive treatment available. Treatment seeks to use the fewest medications possible, and abstinence is always preferred. If medication is required, non-addictive medications with fewer side effects are considered first. Occasionally, opiates may be indicated for effective pain management, and if needed, an effective individualized medication management plan is developed. The Addiction-Free Pain Management® System Valley Forge Medical Center and Hospital is the first facility on the East Coast to obtain the Addiction-Free Pain Management® (APM) Center of Excellence designation. The APM™ Center of Excellence process was developed by Dr. Stephen F. Grinstead* in collaboration with Terence T. Gorski and the Gorski-CENAPS® Corporation. This designation is reserved for those treatment providers who have demonstrated skilled pain management and addiction treatment services through the use of the Addiction-Free Pain Management® System and the Gorski-CENAPS® Model of Treatment. Although any provider may seek this designation, they must meet the rigorous standards for endorsement to be officially recognized. Valley Forge Medical Center’s Pain Management Program has been provided with a complete set of APM® clinical manuals and accompanying treatment plans that are customized for their use. Pain is disabling for many people and sometimes there are few safe alternatives when they need help. As a result, some people suffer or even develop an addiction to the medications they use to cope with their pain. Managing a chronic pain condition can be a very challenging process, but it becomes even more difficult when other disorders are present. The primary coexisting disorders that often accompany a chronic pain condition are; depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or trauma disorders, as well as addictive disorders. People who are in addiction recovery can relapse and even die from their addiction as a result of untreated—or mistreated—chronic pain. Effective treatment for Clients with chronic pain and a coexisting addictive disorder requires an individualized four part approach found in the Addiction-Free Pain Management® System. Four Components of the APM™ System Utilized at Valley Forge Medical Center
By implementing the above treatment components, Patients experience effective pain management that will prevent relapse from untreated mental health disorders or pain medication substance use disorders. To obtain the most favorable treatment outcomes Clients must also develop a continuing care and exit plan during their first few days of treatment. To ensure ongoing progress, this initial plan is updated throughout their treatment process. Patients do not have to stay trapped in a never-ending cycle of pain; our program will teach them to manage their pain and significantly improve their level of functioning and overall quality of life. Participating in our program allows our Patients to be empowered so they can get their lives back on track *Dr. Stephen F. Grinstead, LMFT, ACRPS, CADC-II, is an author and internationally recognized expert in preventing relapse related to chronic pain disorders. He developed the Addiction-Free Pain Management® System, which gives clinicians specific tools and evidence-based manualized treatment to support them and patients seeking their help. You may learn more about Dr. Grinstead and Addiction-Free Pain Management® at www.addiction-free.com. Nine Point Clinical Philosophy of Pain Management 1. We believe that each patient’s report of pain is valid. Our approach to assisting the patient is driven by this basic assumption. 2. We treat each patient with dignity, acknowledging their perception of pain and accepting their cultural, spiritual, and psychological values as their reality. 3. Our primary goal is to assist the patient in addressing their pain, based upon the patient’s stated goal for pain relief. 4. Given the nature of our facility—working with patients addicted to mood altering chemicals—addressing the patients’ pain and their addiction becomes a delicate balance. 5. We will therefore work to complete a full pain assessment with reassessment at regular intervals taking into account a patient’s history as well as their progress and current behavior. This can only be accomplished using a multidisciplinary team approach. 6. Pain will be an integral component of the patient’s interdisciplinary treatment plan. We educate all clinicians to assure competence in dealing with the addicted patient whose treatment is complicated by co-occurring pain issues. 7. Our role is that of advocate for the patient to assist him/her in achieving their recovery goal while providing relief of pain. 8. We will establish a committee for ongoing examination of our work treating patients with acute and/or chronic pain. 9. If we determine that we are unable to adequately and safely treat a patient with co-occurring pain issues we will offer resources to the patient that may better address his/her pain needs.
|
|
Send mail to
webmaster@vfmc.net with
questions or comments about this web site.
|