Substance Use Disorder | St. Lawrence Health

The Importance of Comprehensive Care

Wherever you are in your recovery, we can help you.

We are committed to providing addiction treatment services for anyone who is ready to break their cycle of addiction. St. Lawrence Health will work with each individual one-on-one to evaluate their needs and goals from the start. Our team includes licensed alcohol and substance use counselors, mental health providers, and medical staff who work together to ensure a gentle transition between services and providers as they move through each stage of substance abuse treatment. We are the only substance use disorder treatment facility within 100 miles providing a full range of addiction services with individualized, person-centered care and treatment plans for drug, alcohol, and chemical dependency.

We have Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT) providers in Potsdam and Gouverneur. MATs offered include Suboxone, which can prevent opioid withdrawal symptoms and help reduce cravings to use illicit opioids; and Naltrexone injection, which is a non-addictive opioid blocker used in the treatment of opioid dependence.

Addiction is a chronic disease, and through the use of Medicated Assisted Treatment, we tailor medication, counseling, and other support services according to best practices and individual needs.

Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a form of rehabilitation that combines the use of medications, counseling, and behavioral therapy to treat patients who live with substance abuse and addiction. Non-addictive medications approved by the FDA are used to block the effects of opioids and alcohol. Such medicines have proven to be successful when tailored to the specific case, and alongside different types of therapy, including individual and group sessions. St. Lawrence Health offers MAT at locations in Potsdam and Gouverneur, as well as outpatient rehabilitation programs. New patients are currently being accepted for both programs.

Review and/or print the SLH Substance Use Disorder Service Referral form.

TAKE A LOOK INSIDE

We have created a few short videos, and invite you to learn about our Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder services, and our Maternal Wraparound Program. We thought you might also like to take a look at one of our Animal Assisted Therapy Canine Good Citizens at work.

Emotional Support Hotline: (315) 261-5395

You are worth it.

Inpatient Detoxification Services

Sometimes the first step is the hardest one to take. Our inpatient detoxification services at Gouverneur Hospital and Massena Hospital are here to help you safely take the important first step toward recovery.

Find out how we can help you start your recovery. Contact Inpatient Director Emily Marquart at emarquart@cphospital.org, or (315) 261-5954, x 5955.

Inpatient Rehabilitation Services

St. Lawrence Health’s compassionate staff create a safe, positive environment to receive medical and emotional support. Inpatient rehabilitation programs provide a structured, person-centered, individualized plan that is customized to the needs and recovery goals of each patient. We provide resources to help you learn more about what you can expect during your inpatient stay.

Find out how we can help you start your recovery. Contact Inpatient Director Emily Marquart at emarquart@cphospital.org, or (315) 261-5954, x 5955.

Intensive Outpatient Services

Intensive Outpatient group is temporarily on hold due to COVID 19; please see other Group offerings.

Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides structured drug and alcohol treatment and support to patients who are learning how to establish, build, and strengthen their addiction management skills and work toward living a healthy and successful life.

The IOP is a time-limited, multi-faceted array of services, structure, and support to achieve and sustain recovery. The group component consists of three hour psychoeducational and processing group sessions to include relapse prevention and coping skills training, motivational enhancement, and dialectical behavioral therapy skills training. In addition, patients will engage in any other outpatient services as appropriate.

Individuals in IOP are required to attend all nine hours of treatment per week, in addition to individual counseling. At Canton-Potsdam Hospital, IOP is scheduled for Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am – noon. You are expected to stay for the entirety of the group. Individuals are expected to schedule and attend regular weekly appointments with their primary counselor. (This could be prior to and after group days or an additional day if needed) Specific IOP expectations will be reviewed the first group meeting.

For more information, contact Outpatient Director Heather Rich at hrich@cphospital.org, or (315) 353-2572.

Outpatient Services

St. Lawrence Health offers outpatient services in Potsdam and Gouverneur for individuals who are committed to their recovery but may need help, structure, and guidance adjusting to a healthier life. Outpatient programs allow for the continuation of substance use disorder treatment, and the assurance that even as you are restoring a healthy, independent lifestyle, you have support every step of the way.

For more information, contact Outpatient Director Heather Rich at hrich@cphospital.org, or (315) 353-2572.

Group Therapy

Effective Monday, July 12, 2021, St. Lawrence Health Outpatient SUD offices will begin offering in-person Group Therapy sessions. A wide range of groups are available with focus on talk therapy, art therapy, coping and management skills, and continued education.

Among the sessions offered are:

Coping Skills – A psychoeducational group to develop skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation. When/Where: 12 Elm Street, Potsdam; Wednesdays from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Men's Group - A focus on issues specific to men and developing coping skills. When/Where: 12 Elm Street, Potsdam; Thursdays from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Post-COVID Recovery Group: A focus on identifying triggers and warning signs in recovery, and developing coping skills with re-integrating into day-to-day life after COVID-19. When/Where: Gouverneur Hospital, 2^nd Floor, 77 West Barney Street, Gouverneur; Thursdays from 11:00 am - 11:50 am

Recovery Group - A combination of psychoeducation and interpersonal processing, along with mindfulness-based relapse prevention. Activities, discussion, and education. When/Where: 12 Elm Street, Potsdam; Mondays from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Women’s Group – A focus on women’s issues, and developing effective coping skills. When/Where: Gouverneur Hospital, 2^nd Floor, 77 West Barney Street, Gouverneur; Tuesdays from 11:00 am - 11:50 am