Kû Aloha Ola Mau
A place of healing and recovery
www.dashhawaii.org
Related to Methadone:
- Isn't methadone just a substitution for heroin?
- Should I not take methadone because I'm pregnant?
- Is Kû Aloha a methadone clinic?
- What is methadone? How long does it remain in a patient's system?
- How many days per week must a person come in to dose?
- What is the procedure for getting on the program?
- Does Kû Aloha offer a detoxification program?
- How long are dosing hours?
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Does our establishment offer courtesy dosing?
- How do I know if my loved one is using drugs?
- How long will it take for my urine to come up negative if I take 'x drug'?
- Where is Kû Aloha located?
- Do we provide inpatient or outpatient services - or both?
- What medical coverages does Kû Aloha accept?
- Can a person request brochures explaining all the programs that are available?
- When does a patient need to register medical prescriptions?
- What is the duration of intake processing?
- Is there a difference between Kû Aloha and the C.H.A.M.P. programs?
- Can you refer me to a female drug rehabilitation clinic?
- Does Kû Aloha conduct random urinalysis for pre-trial clients?
Isn't methadone just a substitution for heroin?
Dr. Alan Leshner, director of the National Institute of Drug Abuse, describes addiction as a brain disease that is expressed by compulsive behavior. Because of the many advances in medicine and research, we now know that when people use heroin or other opiates for a long time, the activity in people's reward/pleasure center of their brain fails to function correctly. Methadone is a medication that serves to normalize their brain functioning giving them the opportunity to live stable and productive lives.
Brain functioning can become normalized with counseling as well which is a priority in Kû Aloha opioid treatment programs for all participants.
Should I not take methadone because I'm pregnant?
Babies born to women on methadone sometimes have some withdrawal symptoms, but pregnant users in treatment deliver healthy babies without long-term problems. Methadone maintenance has been recommended for narcotic addiction since the 1970's (Blinick, et.al., 1973). Comprehensive programs can reduce infant morbidity and mortality, improve nutrition and assist women in preparing for parenthood. A regimen of methadone maintenance and counseling is effective in preventing further drug use and insuring prenatal care.
According to TCE News, a Center for Substance Abuse publication, AIDS is now the fourth leading cause of death among women of childbearing age in the US. Becoming pregnant on methadone is not a problem. Contracting HIV through continued needle and drug use is a serious and irreversible situation.
Is Kû Aloha a methadone clinic?
Kû Aloha is a substance abuse outpatient program that provides methadone treatment. Treatment includes utilizing methadone and a structured program, which includes services like counseling and case management, HIV and other communicable disease services such as testing, counseling, vaccines as available and follow-up case management for medical care.
Kû Aloha has other programs to address addiction which are not related to the methadone treatment services.
What is methadone? How long does it remain in a patient's system?
Methadone is a medication used to normalize a person's functioning, physically, socially and emotionally. It remains in one's system from 24 to 48 hours.
How many days per week must a person come in to dose?
In the beginning, a person is scheduled to come in daily. As stabilization and progress occur, the need to come in daily is gradually reduced.
What is the procedure for getting on the program?
An appointment is made with the intake worker. One should bring a photo ID to the first appointment. See Kû Aloha Locations for contact information.
Does Kû Aloha offer a detoxification program?
Yes, Kû Aloha offers a 180-day detox program for those who need more time to stabilize and taper off. Kû Aloha offers 21-day detoxes on special occasions and recommends transfer to treatment afterward.
Dosing hours for the Hui Ho`omaikai program are from 5:30 a.m. to 110:30 a.m. Monday through Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Weekends.
Does our establishment offer courtesy dosing?
Yes, year round. Your program will need to call or fax information to Kû Aloha for approval prior to your arrival.
How do I know if my loved one is using drugs?
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How long will it take for my urine to come up negative if I take 'x drug'?
If the test is work-related, then it is a red flag. It probably means your employer or prospective employer has a philosophy of non-drug use at the work place. If the job involves operating heavy or moving machinery, there is even more of a concern as many drugs can put yourself and others in danger. The real question is, "Do I believe in what my employer believes in relation to drug use?" If there is disagreement, then "Do I want to work for an employer that will not support me if I make a mistake? Which is more important, my drug use or a job....this job?" If you say to yourself, "Well, I'll just stop x days ahead so my test is 'clean', or I'll stop if I get the job" then you may want to talk to a counselor about the situation. Chances are you situation may be more complicated than just not using for a few days; especially if you are willing to start or continue a relationship with your boss that is not based on honesty.
So if you really want the answer, we'll be happy to give it to you after a brief chat. Give us a call. Otherwise, you may find your answer at (list a reference).
If you are asking because you are a parent or loved one, then give us a call. Your hunches are usually right and we can help you through the process of identifying a problem with your loved on or refer you to someone who can better serve you in your situation.
Kû Aloha is on Nimitz Highway in the business complex where Eagle Cafe is located. There are also programs on the Big Island in Hilo and Puna. See Kû Aloha Locations for more detailed information.
Do we provide inpatient or outpatient services - or both?
Kû Aloha provides outpatient services only. Referrals can be made to inpatient programs.
What medical coverages does Kû Aloha accept?
Following are the programs and medical coverages accepted:
Hui Ho`omaikai Ika Poe O Hawai`i (methadone/opioid treatment)
- QUEST plans such as HMSA, Aloha Care
- Commercial insurance will pay for a portion of the prescription medication only. These include Travelers and HMSA. The participant must pay the full amount and the insurance company will reimburse them.
- QUEST plans such as HMSA, Aloha Care, Summerlind
Can a person request brochures explaining all the programs that are available?
Yes, please call to request them.
When does a patient need to register medical prescriptions?
On the first clinic visit after the prescription is written by the physician.
What is the duration of intake processing?
The intake itself may take up to two hours including the doctor's time. If you come in today, complete the physical and qualify, you could start tomorrow. If you are a former haumana (participant), you may start the same day providing the doctor is available to conduct a physical.
Is there a difference between Kû Aloha and the C.H.A.M.P. programs?
Kû Aloha offers opioid (methadone), intensive outpatient, and outpatient (culturally based) treatment. The opioid program, Hui Ho`omaikai is comprehensive and provides case management; individual, group and family counseling and education, crisis management; direct assistance (food, etc.) HIV, Hep B and TB testing; vaccines for Hep B, education on the prevention and care of HIV and other communicable diseases, medical case management for persons who are HIV positive; and other ancillary services.
Please call CHAMP directly for information on their services.
Can you refer me to a female drug rehabilitation clinic?
Yes. Please call so we can direct you to a program specific to your needs.
Does Kû Aloha conduct random urinalysis for pre-trial clients?
Yes. A referal must be made through the Federal Pre-Trial office.