A DCHS CONNECT HIGHLIGHT

June 9, 2022- The City of Alexandria and Arlington County are offering residents the opportunity to obtain substance use withdrawal support and recovery services in a residential setting, traditionally known as detox. The City formed an agreement with Arlington, which has contracted National Capital Treatment & Recovery to provide withdrawal support and recovery services for the use of alcohol and other drugs through the Arlington Recovery Center (ARC).

Substance use addiction is a medical condition—a treatable brain disorder, not a character flaw or a form of deviance— that can happen to any person in any family. Scientists estimate that genetic factors account for at least 40 to 60 percent of a person's vulnerability to addiction. The National Institute of Health reports that more than 70,000 Americans died from drug-involved overdose in 2019.  Stressors related to the pandemic have increased anxiety and depression, and with it, the use of alcohol and other drugs to self-medicate. SAMHSA anticipated increases in substance use disorders, mental illness and suicidality in all age groups.

This new City treatment initiative has replaced the services of the former “Detox” or Alexandria Residential Treatment Services, which closed during the pandemic.

Services through ARC are available for two levels: 1) assistance for individuals who are experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms and may require a 24-hour clinically managed residential setting and 2) assistance for individuals seeking admission to a residential setting who need support in building and maintaining sobriety due to interpersonal or environmental challenges.

ARC admission is guided using the American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria to ensure proper level of care. ARC assists clients with the complexity of managing substance use disorders through intensive and supportive treatment tailored to their needs. This includes individual and group evidence-based services; medication-assisted treatment and on-site medication management; as well as guidance in mapping out a recovery course, relapse prevention, and linkage to community services after successfully completing individualized treatment.

Eligibility requirements for City of Alexandria residents include:

• Being 18-years or older and a resident of the City of Alexandria, or currently receiving services through the Alexandria Community Services Board.
• Meeting diagnostic criteria for moderate or severe substance use disorder.
• Being able to benefit from 24-hour treatment and support in a residential setting to avoid recurrence of substance misuse.
• Experiencing challenges in multiple domains (physical, emotional, behavioral, social/environmental).
• Not requiring hospitalization due to recent alcohol or other substance withdrawal symptoms (can be managed safely within a residential setting.
• Willing to complete an admission assessment to ensure proper placement.

For more information on residential treatment admission, please call 703.746.3636. For City of Alexandria residents who would like information about Outpatient Substance Use Treatment Services to gain insight into your substance use, or to stop using, please call 703.746.3535 and ask for Intake. For information about the Outpatient Opioid Treatment Program, please call 703.746.3610.