Addiction Is Not A Choice. Recovery Is.
Agawam, Massachusetts — Over the past year, 13% of Americans started or increased their substance use. Even in the early months of the pandemic there was a year over year overdose increase of 18% according to the CDC.
For some people it can be a challenge just knowing where to get help. That’s when Compass Recovery in Agawam can make a difference for those struggling with substance abuse.
Compass Recovery is a rarity in Western Massachusetts treatment centers. First, the ten-week program is an out-patient one so clients can incorporate treatment into their daily lives. Second, the facility is independently owned and operated by licensed clinical social workers Dino Bedinelli and Antonia Santiago. By being owners versus part of a larger corporation, they are able to adapt and adjust to each individual’s needs.
“It’s that personal touch of knowing a client’s name, knowing their family and knowing what they’re going through, and then being able to understand that and provide them with an individualized treatment,” said Santiago. “It’s what’s best for the client.”
That kind of individualized treatment is popular in concept for many facilities but isn’t always attainable in a larger setting.
“We can truly do individualized treatment because we don’t have to ask permission. When we meet somebody and recognize their needs, we just do it,” said Bedinelli. “We want to make sure that we see the client and work with the client and recognize what’s best for them because we actually see this working.”
“ It’s that personal touch of knowing a client’s name, knowing their family and knowing what they’re going through, and then being able to understand that and provide them with an individualized treatment. ”
Santiago said they wanted to open Compass Recovery because they saw a need for a facility that aligned with clinical work and how they felt substance abuse should be treated.
The Compass Recovery program requires ten weeks on average, meeting three times a week. The group and individual sessions are available online and multiple times a day so clients can find a way to embed the program into work and family. “It’s part of their life, it’s not something that’s hindering their life,” added Santiago.
After roughly ten weeks, weekly therapy is available. There is also an alumni program for those who have successfully completed it.
“They can always stay a part of the program,” said Bedinelli. “They have a lifelong line to us.”
“They can always stay a part of the program. They have a lifelong line to us.”
During the program clients can expect to receive continued empathy, attention and accountability. The program provides structure in a chaos-free environment. Clients are educated in different skills and options they can utilize to remain sober and find what works best for them. These coping skills may include things like journaling, yoga or nutrition.
“When you take away something without adding something it just creates a hole,” said Bedinelli. “Nature abhors a vacuum.”
Often fear or stigma can hold back those who may need treatment. Others may not feel comfortable asking for help. And sometimes people may not realize that being successful in other areas of life doesn’t mean they can control addiction.
“Addiction is different,” said Bedinelli. “It doesn’t matter how much willpower you have in other areas, when it comes to substance addiction it’s not the same.”
Bedinelli said that for the level of care that they’re offering, there is only one other choice in Western Massachusetts. While there are more options to the east and around Boston, many facilities with the same level of care also require patients to remain at the center. The area cultures and communities are also different, and because Santiago and Bedinelli live locally they understand the people who live here.
If someone is struggling with addiction or is concerned about a loved one, Bedinelli and Santiago encourage them to just call.
“It doesn’t matter what type of insurance they have, it doesn’t matter what level of care they require, we can facilitate what they need,” said Bedinelli.
He added that even if Compass Recovery cannot take a patient due to insurance or a certain situation, they will personally get the patient to a facility that will provide help.
“We’re here, we care and we want to help,” said Santiago.
Visit CompassRecoveryTreatment.com or call 844-844-2988 to get help.
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