UAB Medicine Addiction Recovery Services

We offer both inpatient detoxification and intensive outpatient treatment:

Inpatient Detoxification
For many people, the first step on the road to recovery is stabilizing medically. Our unit provides a safe place to reside while completing the detox process. Our goal is to keep the symptoms of withdrawal at bay, so you can begin participating in therapy activities as soon as possible.

Intensive Outpatient Program
The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a comprehensive treatment program for adults with substance use disorder. We employ a compassionate, focused approach to helping people pursue their personal recovery goals. Our program is truly individualized, letting you choose the sober support network that is right for you. We believe that there are many “roads” to recovery, and we are well-trained in helping you determine what road is best for you – whether that’s using the 12 steps, a faith-based approach, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), or some other approach.

Services include:

• Group therapy
• Individual therapy
• Family therapy
• Peer support
• Medication-assisted therapy
• Experiential therapy

Getting started in treatment is easy. If you are suffering with addiction, we know that getting help quickly is your first priority. Simply call our admissions counselor at 205-975-7350 to get started. Your conversation with our admissions counselor will be confidential and non-judgmental. Have your insurance information available, and a quick estimate of out-of-pocket expenses can be provided. Same-day admission to treatment is usually possible.

Intensive Outpatient Program for Men
Our men’s group allows for bonding and support in a setting that never shames or judges. We know that the journey can be filled with questions, anger, and doubt, but we’re here to help. We provide a safe environment for men that encourages openness and a sense of teamwork. We support many different roads to recovery, including SMART Recovery, Dharma Recovery, and Celebrate Recovery, while 12-step study and work remains a key part of our program.

Specialty topics may include:

• Relapse prevention
• Coping with stress
• Intimacy issues
• Spirituality
• Relapse prevention
• Anger management
• Anxiety and depression
• Emotional awareness
• Grief and loss
• Guilt and shame
• Self-worth and identity
• Family dynamics
• Vulnerability and connection
• Trauma issues

Intensive Outpatient Program for Women
The women’s program at UAB Medicine understands the unique and sometimes difficult position of women pursuing recovery. Women often enter treatment with a fear that recovery may be “too much” to handle. A women’s process group allows a safe environment for real exchange and support for these issues. Our facilitators have decades of experience, as well as specific training in supporting women on their recovery journey. In addition to learning specific recovery skills, patients will gain insight and awareness by addressing past traumas, exploring unhealthy patterns, and learning coping skills specific to her situation. Our goal is for you to leave here with better relationships – especially with yourself! We take a holistic (whole-body) approach, because engaging patients in a well-rounded manner helps open the mind, body, and spirit to healing. We want you to leave our recovery program feeling seen, heard, and known – confident in your recovery skills, certain of your worth and your ability, and appreciating yourself.

Specialty topics may include:

• Being overwhelmed
• Sober identity
• Perfectionism
• Sexual trauma
• Childhood trauma
• Parenting
• Communication
• Developing healthy boundaries
• Anxiety and depression

Health Care Professionals
The UAB Medicine Addiction Recovery Program has been serving health care professionals for over 25 years. Our treatment community is small, individualized, and personal. Patients address the risks that health care professionals have with addictive disease and learn ways to handle them in a confidential group setting. Our program includes a specialized professional resource program, an eight-week program designed to meet the needs of health care professionals. We understand that shame, stress, and the triggers associated with going back to work can be overwhelming. Our program for health care professionals helps prepare patients to transition safely back into the workplace and the community in a healthy, professional manner.

As with other patients, health care professionals often have concerns and questions before entering treatment. Some of the more common questions are answered below:

Will I lose my license if I admit that I have an addiction problem and seek treatment?
Many professions within health care provide a way for practitioners to receive treatment and return to work under monitoring. Our goal is to provide quality treatment, so that you are able to return to your profession healthy and safe – for your benefit and for the public’s. We understand how health care professional licensing boards work, and we can help you navigate the monitoring system. Our relationships with professional licensing boards will help you make a smooth transition when you are ready to safely practice again.

Why should I choose the UAB Medicine Addiction Recovery Program?
Our relationship with health care professionals suffering from addiction began in 1994. Our licensed staff is diverse, experienced, and sensitive to the specialized needs of health care professionals. We provide a non-judgmental approach to meeting your personal goals, and our small community allows us to provide individualized treatment. In addition to our primary and health care programs, we also offer specialized groups such as grief and equine therapy, and we even provide services for your family members. We partner with you to help make your recovery successful.

Will I be only with other health care professionals in treatment?
Most of your day will be spent with a variety of other patients in treatment. You will be in a health care professionals focus group that meets in the morning. You will also meet with the coordinator for the professionals therapy. You will have open access to our treatment team, as we have an “open door” policy and staff offices on the treatment floor.

Do health care professionals really need a separate group?
Long-term positive outcomes for health care professionals are important for patients and for public safety. Health care professionals often provide excellent care for others yet struggle with self-care and their own personal needs. The use of drugs or alcohol often begins as a solution to stress created by work. Any subsequent addiction often leads to shame, guilt, and fear about seeking help. Processing these issues with peers brings emotional healing, acceptance, and understanding, and it helps the patient learn ways to establish a lifestyle of recovery.

Continuing Care Program
The UAB Medicine Addiction Recovery Program offers extended care post-treatment through our Continuing Care Program, which is designed to provide additional support services to those in recovery. Patients are encouraged to attend weekly sessions, where they will receive guidance in beginning their new life.

The Continuing Care Program offers group support in the areas of relapse prevention, work-related issues, and depression, as well as other recovery-related groups and resources. The Continuing Care Program welcomes health care professionals who are in recovery and being monitored by their licensing boards. It provides an opportunity to address everyday issues in a trusted, safe environment. It also provides weekly fellowship with other patients who have completed the program and wish to share their experience, strength, and hope.

Certified Recovery Support Specialists (known as “peers”)
Our peers come from a wide range of backgrounds and share their knowledge from having lived through a recovery experience. All peers have completed a certified training program through the Alabama Department of Mental Health. They walk into a room with a strengths-based approach, asking, “What is right with this person? What strengths do they have? How can I help?” They understand the many “roads” that lead to recovery and are well-trained to be able to help you with the 12 Step program, Recovery Dharma, faith-based therapy, SMART Recovery, and other therapy approaches.