Published: August 01, 2008 03:51 pm            

New doctor in town

July 30, 2008 — It’s time to stop prescription drug abuse by methods of medical and psychological treatment and most importantly - counseling.

Dr. Lori Bennett is new to the Grayson area - and along with her staff - Bennett hopes to treat people suffering from opioid addiction by focusing on counseling throughout a flexible, 26-week program structured for each individual.

“The patients will first do an evaluation with the counselor (Mike Phelps) to see if he or she is a candidate for the program,” Bennett explained. “There will be a screening process and then the individual will receive an explanation of the program and what can be expected in those 26 weeks.”

The clinic, Quality Health Care Inc. is located behind K-Mart and founded by Keith Burchett of Grayson and operated by Bennett, Phelps and business manager David Lovejoy.

Prescription drug abuse has become a serious matter, which has people traveling across several states to be prescribed various drugs. It has turned into a global epidemic, Burchett said.

“This is my dream come true,” Burchett said about the new clinic. “We have a good program here and the counseling will be a faith-based type of program. Family counseling will be indicated during the program because no one can do this alone.”

Bennett spoke strongly when saying the facility is not a Methadone clinic and no drugs are ever present on the premises.

With the help of the prescribed medications, “Suboxone and Subutex”, Bennett said she hopes to have a 60 to 70-percent success rate in helping people recover from substance abuse. “They will receive a one-week supply of Suboxone that is prescribed at one pill each day, Bennett described. “And the individual must receive weekly counseling. We are treating the entire problem of substance abuse and how it affects the individual and their family members… We certainly don’t want to present ourselves as a drug clinic. We do not dispense any drugs here. The prescribed Suboxone has to be picked up at a local pharmacy.”

For people who have grown tired of drug dependency and are seeking a clean and sober life, contact Bennett for an evaluation at 475-3331.

Suboxone and Subutex are prescription medicines used to treat adults addicted to opiod medicines and drugs such as morphine and heroin.

Suboxone and Subutex take the place of these medicines and drugs and may help the individual stop using and abusing opiods.

Suboxone is part of a complete addiction treatment program that also includes counseling or behavioral therapy. Suboxone or Subutex have not been studied in children.

        

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