At The Coleman Institute for Addiction Medicine, the road to recovery from drugs or alcohol is supportive, discreet and promises a better long-term outcome

By Patricia Nugent

Since 2011, the state of Ohio has led the country in the number of deaths caused by opioid overdoses. In fact, last year, Ohioans were five times more likely to die from an overdose than a car accident.

A growing number of treatment facilities and methods aim to turn the tide on addiction. The program started in 1998, and The Coleman Institute for Addiction Medicine in Willoughby offers an outpatient medical detox program that has helped thousands of people free themselves from addiction to opioid pain medications, heroin, fentanyl, methadone and alcohol.

“Opioid and alcohol abuse cross all economic and demographic lines,” says Rachel Terzak, who is director of business development at the Institute. “Those suffering from addiction wear both white and blue collars. They are doctors, lawyers, police officers, fire fighters, soccer moms, high school or college students and senior citizens. People can become addicted to opioid pain meds in as little as five days, even taking them for something as simple as dental work. It’s astounding.”

Dr. Peter Coleman, founder, was successful in his own recovery for over the last 30 years. He brings a unique perspective to breaking free, and staying free, from addiction.

“Oftentimes people come to us who have tried other programs unsuccessfully,” he says. “They’ve lost hope and we give them back hope. We help them reclaim their lives.”

Quickly, Comfortably, Safely
Unlike other types of rapid detox, the Coleman Method speeds patients through detoxification and withdrawal management in relative comfort.

Rachel says what many people, especially busy working professionals who are enmeshed in the community, appreciate about the program is how private and peaceful it is.

“Our setting is nothing like a busy hospital,” she says. “When someone comes in, they’ll usually only see one or two people. We are discreet and confidential.”

A Few Days to Push the Reset Button
The process is simple. First, a patient calls the Institute for an assessment by a medical professional, taken over the phone. They will also discuss payment options and verify insurance.

The outpatient treatment is fast, and the patient can return to their own home after visits with our providers to rest and recover. “On the first day, we give them a medical physical with a provider, do an EKG and monitor blood pressure,” she says. “Then the patient goes home or to a local hotel with their support person.”

After that they return to the Institute each morning for small doses of Naltrexone, which accelerates the withdrawal process.

“We customize the medication to reduce each patient’s discomfort levels throughout the safe and assisted withdrawal process,” she says. “After a detox, on the last day of treatment, we help patients get into and maintain long-term recovery with ongoing Naltrexone therapy or a Vivitrol shot to control their impulses. It’s non-addictive.”

The detox treatment programs also include supportive case management after the withdrawal management phase.

“Each patient is assigned a case manager and provided individual services as well as group counseling sessions that may be taken virtually if the client prefers,” says Rachel.

Success Stories
About 98% of people complete the program and go onto long-term recovery. Here’s what a few of them had to say:

“I tried for over a year to quit oxycodone by myself but couldn’t. Once I did your program, I’m completely clean of pain medications and determined to stay that way for the rest of my life,” says Lauren.

“I felt genuinely cared for. The staff was wonderful. It was not as stressful as I expected a detox to be. The detox process was rapid with minimal discomfort. Wonderful, respectful staff,” says Michael.

Rachel hopes to help destigmatize addiction in our area.

“We understand that addiction is a disease—like cancer—that needs to be treated medically with science-based methodology,” she says. “It will not go away on its own.”

Are you addicted?
For some people, the progression toward addiction is gradual and hard to notice. Here are several red flags from Rachel Terzak, director of business development at The Coleman Institute, that may indicate you’ve crossed the line.

• Have you missed work due to drinking or drug use?
• Do you find yourself having to drink more than previously to achieve the same effect?
• Have you stopped participating in hobbies or activities that you enjoy?
• Is your drinking or drug use putting a strain on your finances or relationships?
• Has your personality changed lately? Are you more irritable?
• Can you never have just one drink and then stop?
• Do you feel you need alcohol or drugs to have fun or feel good?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may wish to get a professional assessment of your possible level of addiction.

The Coleman Institute for Addiction Medicine is located at 35110 Euclid Avenue in Willoughby. Some commercial insurance plans are accepted. There are also financing options. Call 440-517-4664 or visit TheColemanInstitute.com for more information.