Frequently Asked Questions
Arkansas CARES
What does “dual diagnosis treatment” really mean?
Most people who struggle with addiction simultaneously face depression, anxiety, guilt, and fear. It is difficult to identify which problem is needs the most immediate attention…the mental illness or the addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Current treatment is geared toward treating mental illness and addiction simultaneously since both of these problems “co-occur” in mothers seeking family treatment for addiction.
How do I know if substance abuse is a problem for me?
The single most difficult step for mothers who struggle with dual diagnoses (mental illness and substance abuse) is recognizing they are experiencing difficulties managing their moods and admitting drugs and/or alcohol use get in their way of having healthy relationships with friends and family members, struggles in maintaining employment, and hearing others close to them talk about their excessive use of drugs and/or alcohol.
How is Arkansas CARES different from other treatment programs?
There are two basic advantages to entering dual diagnosis treatment at Arkansas CARES: 1. Longer average length of stay for treatment; 2. Simultaneous family treatment of mothers and her children under the age of 12 years. Research suggests extended length of stay in treatment for dual diagnosis generates better success in sobriety. Since addiction impacts all family members, there is an advantage of treating mothers and children together.
How long are mothers and children in treatment at Arkansas CARES?
The average length of stay for mothers and children entering treatment at Arkansas CARES is six months. Some women enter treatment and finish their personal treatment goals and objectives within four months while other mothers need to stay in the treatment program for nine months. Treatment progress is very individual and based upon your personal needs.
Why do my children under the age of 12 have to come to treatment with me?
Arkansas CARES offers family treatment so children are in treatment with mothers so both learn ways to cope with addiction simultaneously. Problems with addiction impact every member of your family. Part of treatment includes intensive parent education and ways to understand your needs of your children. Children over the age of 3 years receive age appropriate individual, group, and family therapy to improve relationships with family members.
Why must I reside on the Arkansas CARES campus while enrolled in the treatment program?
Clients who enter treatment at Arkansas CARES have tried outpatient treatment and shorter term residential treatment for addiction in the past. An extended treatment focus on mental illness and substance abuse increases the likelihood of sobriety when you have completed the program. It is easy to get distracted from treatment, and when you reside on campus, dual diagnosis treatment is your primary focus for six months.
Can Arkansas CARES clients smoke on your campus?
Our campus is smoke-free, and you will not be allowed to smoke while on campus at Arkansas CARES. However, we offer a smoking cessation program and nurses will assist you with nicotine patches to help you with your cravings to smoke.
How long does it take to get admitted in the Arkansas CARES treatment program after I complete the telephone screening?
Actual admission time after screening varies, but our overall goal is to get help for families who struggle with addiction. If there is available space for admission, you can come to treatment the day following your telephone screening. Nurses will help you make an outpatient appointment if anticipated admission to Arkansas CARES is in excess of two days.
What State agencies refer clients to Arkansas CARES? Can I refer myself for treatment?
You can refer yourself to dual diagnosis treatment by calling the Admission Coordinator at (501) 661-0720. During this initial call, you will complete a telephone screening to determine if Arkansas CARES is the best dual diagnosis treatment option for you. Other referral sources for the program include Drug Court, Department of Human Services, Department of Community Correction, physicians, family members, and friends.