SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES  

Substance Abuse services at VIPCare may be requested by calling the main office at Bremo Road.  An assessment or family consultation is available to clients or anyone concerned about oneself or a loved-one.  Morning, evening, and Saturday hours are available, and fees are based upon a sliding scale, with assessments and consultations  carried out by a direct-pay arrangement (insurance is not involved).  Confidentiality is central to providing these services.  Call 282-8332 to make an appointment by leaving your message, and our Substance Abuse Specialist will contact you about your need.

ASSESSMENT: Assisting clients or others referred to examine the extent of their substance use and the seriousness.

With compassion, acceptance and candor, the person's substance use is discussed.

• After considering and evaluating the information given, the person is informed immediately about the level of seriousness of the substance use.
• When there is a alcohol or drug problem, decision-making is guided about self-help steps.
• Initial problems with self-change away from chemical use are discussed.
• Treatment is recommended when needed, with the appropriate level of clinical care. Information is provided to assist the person to make an initial treatment program contact.  

CONSULTATION: Open and candid talk with family and friends about their concerns over a loved-one who is using mind or mood-altering chemicals.

The reality of the loved-one's chemical use is discussed with supportive openness and frankness.

• The experience of family and friends with their loved-one due to the substance use is considered, including the negative effects on the family.  What these experiences suggest about the problems for everyone is discussed. 
• The family is briefly educated about the nature and character of substance use, abuse and chemical dependence, drug effects, and what to look for when someone is involved in substance use.
• Alternatives in dealing with a family member or friend's substance use are talked over.  Ineffective approaches which have been attempted by the family (those which may enable the loved one's use behavior) are addressed. The best responses which express caring, along with the family's expectations and limits, are named.
• Actions are outlined for the loved-one to consider if the person decides to address the chemical use.  This includes an assessment with the family member or friend to evaluate the extent and progression of the use experience, with recommendations given for the appropriate treatment when there is a substance use problem.

REFERRAL: The need for referral to an outpatient substance abuse treatment program, a medical facility for detoxification assistance, another mental health professional, or a community support group, may arise during an assessment or family consultation.  Information about available treatment programs and other services is given during appointments. 

CHRISTOPHER C. BOWERSs, M.Div., CSAC is an ordained minister, has been a pastor in two churches and a chaplain in medical and psychiatric hospitals. He is a Member, American Association of Pastoral Counselors, a Substance Abuse Counselor credentialed by the State of Virginia, and since 1988 has assisted adults and adolescents in treatment to work out a recovery lifestyle.  Chris is currently president of the Virginia Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors and has a supportive and realistic counseling approach as he works with those using substances, and family and friends who are concerned about a loved one.

WEBSITES AND E-MAIL ADDRESSES: 

• Richmond Intergroup (A.A.)
• Virginia Area Assembly of A.A.
• Virginia Area Al-Anon and Alateen