Schick Shadel Hospital: Drug and Alcohol Rehab FAQ

#1 Success Rate in Treating Alcohol Addiction

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"Before I went to Schick Shadel Hospital, I was numb and existing through severe depression and hopelessness. I had no desires or dreams of tomorrow. I wore a mask to get through the days. I felt no happiness, only despair.

Through Schick, I discovered self-esteem and hope I had never felt before, not ever. My life isn't perfect, but I look forward to each new day. I no longer feel the intense negative emotions that would plague my mind and heart.

Schick Shadel Hospital is a program like no other. Their medical approach is exclusive and unique. I am so grateful they were there for me. I can't thank them enough for giving me my life back."

Shauna Z.
Seattle, Wash.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do you support your statement of having the "#1 success rate for treatment of alcoholism"?
Our claim is based on results of a verified, independent survey of former patients (success being measured as total abstinence for one year and assessed by self-evaluation) compared against published success rates from verified, comparable studies of other medical institutions.


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To allow advertising of our claim, Schick Shadel presented the people, data, study methodology and rationale used in making the claim to the three television networks operating at that time. After investigating the accuracy and evaluation of the study, the networks recognized Schick Shadel's claim and would allow it on their networks - further verification of our success rate.

Why haven't I heard more about Schick Shadel Hospital?
Schick Shadel Hospital has been providing our highly effective medical treatment program in Seattle since 1935. Thousands of graduates, who come from every state and some foreign countries, have completed our program. During the 1980s, we did a lot of television advertising with the slogan, "Just 10 days plus a couple of two-day follow-ups." However, over the years we have discovered the most effective advertising we have is the referrals made by our former patients who are now leading happy, successful lives free from the disabling effects of addiction.

How well supported is the aversion therapy approach?
Aversion therapy has perhaps the most research supporting its use. Most individuals have experiences in their own lives of one or more instances of "conditioned taste aversion." For example, a person may have loved cherries, but one day overdid it and became nauseated. From that point on, the person may find cherries unappealing. These instances of "accidental counter conditioning" may last a lifetime. Schick Shadel uses this natural brain process in a more organized, scientific way to develop a counter-conditioned aversion to alcohol and other drugs.

Is Schick a 12-step program?
No, Schick Shadel Hospital provides a medical alternative treatment approach to addiction. However, we recognize the need for sober support as patients face ongoing issues (family, financial, work, health, etc.) related to their use of alcohol or other drugs. To assist patients in developing effective continuing care plans, we make referrals to many sober support resources (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous, Rational Recovery, Women for Sobriety, S. O. S., church sponsored groups, and other sober support groups) based on the patient's locality and their preferences. Support groups are also available at the hospital for patients living in the Seattle area or with Internet access.

We endorse the public policy position of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, which is:

Patients in need of treatment for alcohol and other drug-related disorders should be treated by qualified professionals in a manner consistent with professionally accepted practice guidelines and patient placement criteria.
Self-help groups should be recognized as valuable community resources for many patients in addiction treatment and their families. Addiction treatment professionals and programs should develop cooperative relationships with self-help groups.
Insurers, managed care organizations and others should be aware of the difference between self-help fellowships and treatment.
Self-help should not be substituted for professional treatment, but should be considered as a compliment to treatment directed by professionals. Professional treatment should not be denied to patients or families in need of care.

What is Schick Shadel Hospital's position on pain management therapy and medications?
We believe alcoholism and disabling drug addictions can be treated without requiring you to quit pain management medications prescribed by your pain management specialist. Most other treatment programs require that you be free of all mood-altering drugs, including prescription opiates, in order to treat. This position makes it difficult for anyone on pain management therapy to treat for chemical dependency to another substance.

How long is the treatment program?
Schick Shadel Hospital's length of stay is shorter than most treatment programs due to our treatment modality. The typical length of stay is approximately 10 days plus detoxification, if required. Our shorter in-patient treatment length allows our patients to return to home with less disruption to their work schedules, their families and other commitments.

Will I be isolated from the outside world while I'm at Schick Shadel?
No. There is a telephone in each room, and patients are allowed to make and receive telephone calls throughout the 10-day stay. Patient rooms and lounges have cable TV. Daily newspapers, including USA Today and the Wall Street Journal, are available. High speed computer hook-ups and fax machines are also available. Visitors are welcome daily during visiting hours.

Are my treatment needs addressed on an individual basis?
Each person who treats at Schick Shadel Hospital is a unique individual with unique treatment needs. Our treatment team will evaluate your specific health issues and your addiction(s), and develop an individualized treatment program. Your progress will be monitored during the course of your treatment program and individual adjustments will be made to insure that your aversion therapy experience is effective and that any additional needs and issues are addressed as they arise.

Do you have a question about addiction or addiction treatment? "Ask Dr. Smith."