Like most diseases, chemical dependency does not discriminate. Alcohol and drug abuse affects people of all ages, incomes, educational backgrounds, races and ethnic groups. For those affected by substance abuse, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. PAMF's Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Department launched its Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program to meet this need.

The program provides outpatient substance abuse assessment, treatment and referral to those with alcohol, drug or other chemical dependencies. PAMF clinicians Meredith Brown, MFT, and Bruce Hill, LCSW, saw the need for the program after conducting a weekly drop-in support group for several years.

"At first, we launched the support group to provide a safe forum for people to explore their own or their loved one’s substance abuse problems,” said Hill. "In time, we realized that these people became really attached to the group and began using it as an informal treatment program, a way to help them change their thoughts and behaviors related to alcohol and drug use. But we couldn't provide them with everything they needed in a weekly, hour-and-a-half group session, and it became obvious that there was a real need to expand our services."

The outpatient program, offered at the Palo Alto Center, uses a group model of care that emphasizes listening to others who are dealing with similar addictions and experiences. By hearing others' stories, drug and alcohol users and their families received the support, motivation and tools they need to overcome the challenges of drugs and alcohol and lead a healthy life.

Contact the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at 650-853-2904 for information about the program.