HER VOICE BUSINESS Desiree Montonye Northern Pines Mental Health Center SUDS Director Ask the SUDS Director What I want people to know about SUDS: First, "suds" is now the new term for individuals diagnosed with drug/alcohol addiction. Many myths and misinformation about substance use disorders continue a great percentage of our work involves education for clients and the public. Most recently the legalization of marijuana has many thinking it's safe, it's the new go-to super medication etc. - it's still a drug; there are consequences. to heavy and or long-term use and it is addictive. Although we acknowledge the severity and ramifications of the opioid epidemic alcohol is still the drug that causes the most damage and kills more people along with nicotine. Which people forget about because it's everywhere and it is legal. In our programs we continue to primarily see alcohol and/ or methamphetamines - in our adult population and in the adolescent program - marijuana and/or alcohol. Our clients come to us from varying backgrounds and experiences and present to us in very dynamic ways - there is a common thread for many and that is exposure to addiction growing up and/or trauma-all levels from domestic violence to abuse/neglect and sexual assault. When you are sad/ hurting etc. coping by using substances makes things feel less bad for a little while anyway. What do your future plans for the SUDS program at Northern Pines include? My goals are to continue to provide the same intensive SUDS outpatient care we currently provide. Insurance coverage for transportation and peer recovery services have made a tremendous impact on client care and the ability for clients to get to programming and have additional support while in programming. I would like to grow the less intensive relapse prevention programs to all of our locations. I would also like to see a women's only group women often come from a history of domestic violence and don't always feel safe opening up in a group with men. Ideally it would be a program with an add-on of childcare during group programming. In our society, women still tend to be the primary provider and difficulty in finding childcare to attend groups often becomes a barrier to recovery. Another group is anyone over 65 who receives Medicare - which does not cover the treatment of any level of substance use treatment. We are fortunate in the Brainerd area to have sober housing for clients to reside in. I would like to explore ways NP could contribute. to the housing need for clients in recovery in those communities as well. Staffing needs are a struggle for many now we are fortunate to have a small but mighty TEAM - dedicated to client-centered care. As we move forward the challenge will continue to find the right staff for the right roles to meet the needs of those we serve! Thank you for being a part of our team, Desiree! NORTHERN PINES MENTAL HEALTH CENTER 823 Maple Street Brainerd, MN 218-454-8001 npmh.org HER VOICE BUSINESS Desiree Montonye Northern Pines Mental Health Center SUDS Director Ask the SUDS Director What I want people to know about SUDS : First , " suds " is now the new term for individuals diagnosed with drug / alcohol addiction . Many myths and misinformation about substance use disorders continue a great percentage of our work involves education for clients and the public . Most recently the legalization of marijuana has many thinking it's safe , it's the new go - to super medication etc. - it's still a drug ; there are consequences . to heavy and or long - term use and it is addictive . Although we acknowledge the severity and ramifications of the opioid epidemic alcohol is still the drug that causes the most damage and kills more people along with nicotine . Which people forget about because it's everywhere and it is legal . In our programs we continue to primarily see alcohol and / or methamphetamines - in our adult population and in the adolescent program - marijuana and / or alcohol . Our clients come to us from varying backgrounds and experiences and present to us in very dynamic ways - there is a common thread for many and that is exposure to addiction growing up and / or trauma - all levels from domestic violence to abuse / neglect and sexual assault . When you are sad / hurting etc. coping by using substances makes things feel less bad for a little while anyway . What do your future plans for the SUDS program at Northern Pines include ? My goals are to continue to provide the same intensive SUDS outpatient care we currently provide . Insurance coverage for transportation and peer recovery services have made a tremendous impact on client care and the ability for clients to get to programming and have additional support while in programming . I would like to grow the less intensive relapse prevention programs to all of our locations . I would also like to see a women's only group women often come from a history of domestic violence and don't always feel safe opening up in a group with men . Ideally it would be a program with an add - on of childcare during group programming . In our society , women still tend to be the primary provider and difficulty in finding childcare to attend groups often becomes a barrier to recovery . Another group is anyone over 65 who receives Medicare - which does not cover the treatment of any level of substance use treatment . We are fortunate in the Brainerd area to have sober housing for clients to reside in . I would like to explore ways NP could contribute . to the housing need for clients in recovery in those communities as well . Staffing needs are a struggle for many now we are fortunate to have a small but mighty TEAM - dedicated to client - centered care . As we move forward the challenge will continue to find the right staff for the right roles to meet the needs of those we serve ! Thank you for being a part of our team , Desiree ! NORTHERN PINES MENTAL HEALTH CENTER 823 Maple Street Brainerd , MN 218-454-8001 npmh.org