MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Drug addiction is a growing epidemic across the country, including in Tennessee.
A new program at Baptist is hoping to help abusers do a 180 and kick their deadly habit.
Back in January, Baptist launched it’s inpatient “180” program at its Collierville hospital.
It’s designed to help those dealing with intense withdrawal from alcohol, drugs and prescription medications.
“We have seen a lot patients from all walks of life…all sorts of addictions from heroin to alcohol, opiates, cocaine. You name it, we’ve had a little bit of everything,” said outreach coordinator Kathy Abelson.
The Tennessee Department of Health said in 2014 nearly 1,300 people in Tennessee died from opioid overdoses alone. The CDC said that was 6.5 percent increase from the year before.
Directors of the Baptist substance abuse program said Memphis also has a serious heroin problem.
They said alcohol and drug abusers admitted to their program are monitored by doctors and nurses. Health care professionals said when people attempt to detox on their own, the consequences can be fatal.
“They fail, and they’ll fail many, many times. Most are looking at three to four or seven attempts to get clean and especially if they are doing it at their home. They become so sick that the only alternative they have is to go out and use that substance again,” said Abelson.
The typical stay is about three days, but while they are there staff help find resources for when they are discharged.
“Even we’ve had patients that have gone way off to other states, whether it’s an inpatient’s plan or outpatient plan they need with counseling . There are so many options, but the neat thing is they are tailored to the patients,” said Kelle Roberts, the director of clinical services for Baptist Collierville.
The 180 program is a first for Baptist and the area.
For more information on the 180 program, call 901-861-8746 or click right here.
