FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do you support your statement of having the "#1 success rate for treatment of alcoholism"?
Schick Shadel Hospital’s claim is based on results of a verified, independent survey of former patients (success being measured as total abstinence for one year and assessed by self-evaluation) compared against published success rates from verified, comparable studies of other medical institutions.
To allow advertising of our claim, Schick Shadel presented the people, data, study methodology and rationale used in claiming its #1 status to the three operating television networks, after investigating the accuracy and evaluation of the study, the networks recognized the validity of the claim of our success rate.
How well supported is the aversion therapy approach?
Aversion therapy has perhaps the most research supporting its use. Most individuals have experiences in their own lives an instance of "accidental aversion." For example, a person may have loved cherries, but one day overdid it and became nauseated. From that point on, the person may find cherries unappealing. These instances of "accidental aversion" may last a lifetime. Schick Shadel uses this natural brain process in an organized, scientific way to develop a medically supervised counter-conditioned aversion to alcohol and other drugs.
Is Schick a 12-step program?
No, Schick Shadel Hospital provides a medical alternative treatment approach to addiction. However, we recognize the need for sober support as patients face ongoing issues (family, financial, work, health, etc.) related to their use of alcohol or other drugs. To assist patients in developing effective continuing care plans, Schick Shadel make referrals to many sober support resources (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous, Rational Recovery, Women for Sobriety, S. O. S., church sponsored groups, and other sober support groups) based on the patient's locality and personal preferences. Support groups are also available at the hospital for patients living in the Seattle area or with Internet access or toll free living outside the Seattle area.
We endorse the public policy position of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, which is:
- Patients in need of treatment for alcohol and other drug-related disorders should be treated by qualified professionals in a manner consistent with professionally accepted practice guidelines and patient placement criteria.
- Self-help groups should be recognized as valuable community resources for many patients in addiction treatment and their families. Addiction treatment professionals and programs should develop cooperative relationships with self-help groups.
- Insurers, managed care organizations and others should be aware of the difference between self-help fellowships and medical treatment.
- Self-help should not be substituted for professional treatment, but should be considered as a compliment to treatment directed by professionals. Professional treatment should not be denied to patients or families in need of care.
What is Schick Shadel Hospital's position on pain management therapy and medications?
We believe alcoholism and disabling drug addictions can be treated without requiring you to quit pain management medications prescribed by your pain management specialist. Most other treatment programs require that you be free of all mood-altering drugs, including prescription opiates, in order to treat. This position makes it difficult for anyone on pain management therapy to treat for chemical dependency to another substance.
How long is the treatment program?
Schick Shadel Hospital's length of stay is shorter than most treatment programs due to our treatment modality. The typical length of stay is approximately 10 days plus detoxification, if required. Our short in-patient treatment length allows our patients to return home with less time loss to work schedules, their families and other commitments.
Can I maintain contact with family and work while at Schick Shadel?
Yes. There is a telephone in each room, and patients may make and receive telephone calls throughout the 10-day stay. Patient rooms and lounges have cable TV. Daily newspapers, including USA Today and the Wall Street Journal, are available. High speed wireless internet is available throughout the hospital. Patient may have visitors when not in treatment Patients may retain and use personal cell phones and computers when not in treatment.
Is my treatment individualized?
Each person who treats at Schick Shadel Hospital is a unique with specific treatment needs. Our treatment team will evaluate your health and your addiction(s), and develop an individualized treatment program. Your progress will be monitored over the course of your treatment program. Individual adjustments will be made to insure that your treatment is effective and that any additional needs and meet your personal needs.