Substance Use Treament

Making the decision to begin recovery may be one the hardest things you’ll ever do. If you’re ready to get started, the staff at Valley Treatment Center will guide you through the process, starting from day one.

Treatment for Substance Abuse Disorder

If you have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder — whether it’s alcohol, prescription, or illicit drugs — we will help you find the treatment that’s best suited for you. Substance use disorder (SUD) is the most accurate way to describe the condition of someone who has a dependence on drugs or alcohol. Terms like “drug abuse” or “drug addict” are not only destructive, but they are also incorrect. Science continues to show us that an addiction is not a sign of weakness but rather a biological or genetic predisposition. In addition, many other factors can contribute to a substance use disorder.

Today, there are countless paths to recovery, many of which didn’t exist a decade ago. Even if you’ve already tried once or twice — or more — don’t give up. For some, it takes several tries. We know because we’ve seen it happen thousands of times. Your first step (and we know it’s a hard one) is to call us at 304-296-1731. We’ll guide you through the many ways we can help. Or complete the email request below and a Valley team member will contact you.

Below is an overview of our programs to help people with substance use disorder.

Crisis Intervention and Stabilization

Valley’s crisis intervention specialists are available 24/7 to talk to anyone in crisis. We work around the clock to help people in Marion, Monongalia, Preston and Taylor counties, as well as all residents of West Virginia. During a substance use crisis, the immediate goal of our team is to stabilize our clients and advocate for their well-being. If you need immediate help with a substance use crisis, call Valley’s crisis hotline at 800-232-0020.

For a complete description of Valley’s crisis services, click here.

Crisis Residential Unit (CRU)

Valley’s Crisis Residential Unit is an important part of our commitment to comprehensive care. The CRU helps people with withdrawal management in a community-based setting. We offer an acute, short-term program that stabilizes clients and prepares them for the next step in recovery. Overseen by a physician, the CRU is intended for patients whose conditions can be stabilized without the need for a hospital setting. If you’d like to talk to someone at Valley’s Crisis Residential Unit, call 304-225-2280.

Short-Term Medically Monitored Withdrawal

Before beginning treatment at Valley, clients are guided through a medically monitored withdrawal process to rid their bodies of toxins that have accumulated from substance use. It’s the first step in the recovery process. Our medically monitored withdrawal process lays the foundation for recovery by encouraging the body to gradually function without the use of chemicals or alcohol. As the toxins are cleared from the body, the mind also begins to clear. Even clients who are reluctant to participate in group therapy soon realize that sharing their stories can be a healing part of the process. Also in group sessions, clients learn coping skills to help manage the withdrawal stage. Upon completion of the withdrawal process, clients are in a better place to begin the next phase of recovery. Our goal is to ensure every client is medically stable so they may continue their recovery successfully.

The early stages of drug or alcohol withdrawal can be difficult. To help manage withdrawal symptoms, Valley’s team can provide medication, which is closely monitored and gradually tapered to allow for a more comfortable return to stability. Throughout the process, clients are supervised around the clock. Withdrawal usually takes three to seven days, but the time varies with each client. We don’t rush the process. Clients stay in Valley’s Crisis Residential Unit, which is located within our larger, residential treatment center. Having one location for all our services makes it easy to transition from one phase of treatment to the next.

  • Men with a primary diagnosis of substance use disorder can begin their recovery at the recently opened Valley Treatment Center in Fairmont, West Virginia. Valley’s ACT Unit addresses the specific needs of men by helping them to look honestly at the impact substance use has had on their lives. We develop individual treatment plans for clients with an emphasis on decisions made collaboratively. Each plan is developed with the specific needs of the client in mind. Once the plan is complete, Valley’s specialists work together to achieve the client’s desired goals.

    In order to recover, all areas of a person’s life must undergo healing — physical, mental, social, and spiritual. Valley’s community-based setting lays the groundwork for healing by encouraging openness and honesty in counseling as well as group therapy. Although each man walks his own journey, we’ve seen how the fellowship between men can assist in healing. During individual and group counseling, clients talk about their triggers and how those triggers can be controlled through practice and support. We focus on the reality of substance use, and how it affects those around us. Men talk about anger, and how it can be managed without the use of substances, and without turning to violence.

    For men who are struggling with cravings, Valley’s medical staff can administer medication as needed. Click here for more on our medication assisted treatment. Valley’s structured environment is nothing like the real world, so from day one we work on long-term recovery, on life outside of Valley. Our recovery tools have been designed for use in all areas of life including relationships and work situations. These skills are actively used once returning home.

    As clients prepare to return home, they meet with their case manager to talk about long-term plans. One of Valley’s most important services actually takes place outside our doors — it’s the access to resources throughout the community. Over many years, Valley’s service coordinators have developed strong relationships with area providers and nonprofit agencies that are always available to our clients. This is where we stand behind our commitment to long-term care. Clients have full access to these sources, and each service is there to help clients stay on track.

    One of the most valuable sources for ongoing help is Valley’s [[[[[[[[[[[[peer recovery support,]]]]CLICK TO INFO BELOW ]]]]]]]]]]]]]]] which provides each client with an ally who is available to help for as long as needed after leaving Valley. Every peer in our support program has lived through the challenges of recovery and can provide first-hand advice and support. Click here for more information on Valley’s peer recovery support.

    Clients may stay at Valley for a few days or as long as several months. In some cases, clients request an extended stay at Valley, which can last for six months. Most of the strategies used during an extended stay are similar to those used during short-term treatment including education, training and social development. 304-363-2228

    Many factors are used to determine the length of stay, including the client’s own assessment of their recovery. A client’s diagnosis is another tool that is used to determine length of stay. For more information on Valley’s ACT Unit, call 304-363-2228, ext. 4602. Or complete the email request below and an ACT team member will contact you.

  • Women with substance use disorders face different challenges than men. Recent studies show that women are more susceptible to alcohol-induced liver inflammation, cardiovascular disease, blackouts, and certain cancers. Women are also more vulnerable than men to alcohol-related trauma, as well as legal and interpersonal difficulties.

    Upon completion of Valley Treatment Center in March 2022, the leadership team announced the expansion of New Beginnings for Women, a safe place designed specifically for women who have been diagnosed with substance use disorders. It’s a place where women can begin their journey to recovery. At the new location for New Beginnings, women have their own housing on Valley’s campus, which makes it easier to address their specific needs. Our community-based setting allows for an openness that wouldn’t be possible if their space was shared with men.

    Before beginning treatment at Valley, clients are guided through a medically monitored withdrawal process that rids their bodies of toxins that have accumulated from substance use. Once the withdrawal stage is complete, women are able to begin their recovery with clarity. From there, they can begin to examine their own reasons for turning to substance use, and how it has affected all areas of their lives.

    Group therapy and individual counseling are important parts of Valley’s treatment. In our secure space, women are encouraged to share their stories. They talk about the social aspects of substance use, and how they can incorporate sobriety into a new, fulfilling life. Residents learn life skills that support long-term recovery. For women who are struggling with cravings, Valley’s medical staff can administer medication as needed. Members of Valley’s treatment team are available anytime, day or night, for those times when extra support is needed. Click here for more on our medication assisted treatment. Many of our team members are themselves in long term recovery and generously share their lived experiences to help those who are struggling.

    Our treatment program is called New Beginnings for a reason. We’ve watched hundreds of women begin new lives with strength and perseverance. And the support continues well after clients leave our care. Valley’s case managers develop long-term plans with tools to help clients stay on track. We’ve found that peer recovery support is one of the most important aspects of long-term recovery. Peers are allies who talk honestly about their own recovery and serve as proof that long term sobriety is within reach. Encouragement from a supportive peer can be just what is needed during challenging times.

    Our New Beginnings clients generally stay at Valley for a month or two, or up to several months. Several factors are taken into consideration to determine a person’s length of stay, including their current circumstances, the client’s own assessment, and their diagnosis. For more information on Valley’s New Beginnings program, call 304-363-2228 ext. 4300. Or complete the email request below and a New Beginnings team member will contact you.

Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Treatment

If residential treatment isn’t an option, Valley offers a short-term, intensive treatment program for substance use disorder. Our professional therapists and counselors work with outpatient clients with the same rigor as our residential clients, and similar approaches are used in both. The difference is rather than live at our treatment center for the duration of their treatment, clients who opt for outpatient services meet with Valley counselors at predetermined treatment times. Schedules vary but the program usually calls for nine hours a week over a six-to-eight-week period. This arrangement can be adapted to the needs of the client.

The program itself focuses on long-term recovery. Clients learn about the many treatment options for substance use disorder, but first, they learn that their disorder is treatable. During outpatient sessions, clients learn coping skills and how to prevent relapse. Our counselors use cognitive behavioral therapy to teach clients how their thinking affects their actions. This highly effective, evidence-based therapy helps people identify their destructive thought patterns and shift those thoughts into more productive actions. Triggers often occur without the person’s knowledge – such as how a certain time of day is associated with alcohol – but with tools to recognize these triggers, their actions can be managed.

In this safe space, clients can begin to identify their feelings and learn how to express themselves without relying on substance use. They learn about social skills and the value of community involvement as well as effective self-control. Clients learn that they are not alone in this journey to recovery. Valley arranges follow-up services as needed for each person who comes to us for help. To speak to a Valley team member about our intensive outpatient treatment, call 304-296-1731.

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

For decades, the medical community has continued to refine the medications that are used to calm those cravings. At Valley, we offer medication assisted treatment for those who are struggling with withdrawal or unrelenting cravings. Medications that are used at Valley are approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are carefully monitored by a licensed physician who has received specific training in MAT.

Studies show that when cravings can be controlled, people can focus more on their long-term recovery. National figures indicate that 90 percent of people who use MAT have been able to maintain sobriety for at least two years. Some clients who begin treatment at Valley have already been prescribed Suboxone, and they are able to continue treatment. Others may begin MAT at Valley, either during a medically assisted withdrawal process or when they begin Valley’s residential treatment program. For alcohol use disorder, we prescribe Naltrexone, Vivitrol or Acamprosate. For opioid use disorder, we use Suboxone, Naltrexone or Vivitrol, which is an injection. The use of medication during recovery can last for a year or longer, depending on the client’s need.

Valley also has an office-based medication assisted treatment. This program allows clients to receive medication during their outpatient treatment at Valley. The service also includes medical appointments and follow-up care, as well as group therapy. Last year, more than 90 percent of our OBMAT clients maintained negative drug screens for a year. For clients who are receiving treatment through the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program, Valley handles drug screening and medication counts according to legal requirements.

Peer Recovery Support Services

Peer support services have become an invaluable part of Valley’s treatment of substance use disorder. Before leaving Valley, we will work with you on a continuing care plan. This plan includes referrals for follow-up treatment, as well as outpatient counseling and transitional living arrangements. But perhaps one of the most important services that you’ll continue to receive from Valley is peer recovery support.

Valley’s peer specialists know the struggles of recovery, and they share their lived experiences with you. They offer valuable insight and practical tips. Another benefit of peer support is the simple fact – the proof – that enduring recovery is possible. Clients are able to transition more easily into continued recovery at home, knowing they have ongoing support within the community. Peer support has become a pillar of treatment at Valley as we help clients work toward their goal of lifetime sobriety.

Community Specialists and Referrals

Valley’s strong relationships with organizations throughout north central West Virginia make it easier for our clients to navigate the many paths to better health. Our service coordinators are among the most important people here, as they work behind the scenes to develop and maintain partnerships with other healthcare organizations around the region. The value of these partnerships becomes clear when your Valley service coordinator cuts through the countless options to identify the specific services that will help you and your loved ones. By knowing the finer details of the many programs out there, Valley’s service coordinators help you make the right choices. This means you spend less time waiting and more time getting the help you need.