Silver Hill Hospital announces the opening of the Chronic Pain and Addiction Center, an intensive residential treatment program for patients with pain who have become addicted to opioid medications. Dr. Seddon R. Savage, President of the American Pain Society, is the Medical Director.
According to a 2011 report of the Institute of Medicine, chronic pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined—as many as 116 million people costing about $600 billion annually. Opioid therapy has become an increasingly common treatment for persistent pain but there can be unintended consequences. Some patients exposed to long-term use are at risk for addiction. Opioid misuse can result in serious harm including death from overdose. This combination of chronic pain, coupled with opioid misuse and addiction presents a major U.S. health crisis.
"We have opened the Chronic Pain and Addiction Center now because there is an urgent need to treat this as a dual disorder," says Dr. Sigurd Ackerman, President and Medical Director of Silver Hill. "I am thrilled that Dr. Savage will provide our medical leadership. Her experience and expertise cannot be matched. Our approach is truly innovative. I am confident we will not only help our own patients, but develop a methodology that can be replicated—thereby helping others as well."
Treatment is particularly complex when pain is complicated by a substance use disorder. An interdisciplinary approach is critical to help patients optimize their pain management and address addiction challenges. "Our ultimate goal is to increase patient engagement in activities they value, thereby enhancing their quality of life," says Savage. "The Chronic Pain and Addiction Center team and new facilities at Silver Hill are unparalleled. I am looking forward to working with patients on their recovery from both pain and addiction."
Diverse treatment modalities are used to develop comprehensive, individualized programs that treat co-occurring pain and addiction. All patients participate in daily exercise supervised by a physical therapist, pain education sessions, and group and individual therapy sessions.
Options for opioid withdrawal or medication assisted treatment of addiction are combined with psychosocial addiction treatment and rehabilitation, if indicated. Participation in the Twelve Step model of recovery is mandatory. Each patient must also agree to Recovery and Support Follow-up Services, a unique twelve-month aftercare program that coordinates with the patient's primary care physicians, outpatient addiction treatment, and pain care providers. Family support and education is emphasized.
The Chronic Pain and Addiction Center treatment team includes a full staff of pain specialists, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and physical therapists. A minimum four week stay is required.
Please click on the photos below to view larger.
The 2011 Silver Hill Hospital Gala – Another Great Success!
On November 3rd Cipriani 42nd Street was once again the site of a magnificent black-tie benefit for Silver Hill Hospital. This fabulous event raised funds for scholarships for people in need of financial assistance to receive residential treatment at the hospital.
Over 350 people walked the "red carpet" to enter the dramatically lit ballroom. Following a reception, a sumptuous dinner was served as President Sigurd Ackerman opened the program, praising the event's leadership committee, which included honorary co-chairs Michael Cominotto and Dennis Basso. Serving as co-chairs were Natalia Bulgari and Todd Hollander, Rosemary and Carlos Ferrer, Beverly and Peter Orthwein, and Dr. Ackerman and wife, Dr. Cecelia McCarton.
The evening's honoree was the talented actress and author Carrie Fisher, who is a former Silver Hill patient and a tireless advocate for those suffering from mental illness. President of HBO Documentaries Shiela Nevins delivered the tribute to Carrie, a close personal friend, which included a wonderful clip from Carrie's Emmy nominated documentary, "Wishful Drinking." Ms. Nevins spoke of Carrie's innate goodness, and how she unfailingly manages to make those around her feel special. Carrie graciously accepted the honor with great animation, reminiscing about her time at Silver Hill and making the audience laugh with her humorous stories. Importantly, she stressed the need to make help available for all those who need it, not just those who can afford it.
Dr. Ackerman next introduced Michael Cominotto, a board member and volunteer. Michael, who spoke of his own life-saving experience at Silver Hill at last year's gala, welcomed Matthew Griepp, who in turn recounted his own incredibly moving story of arriving at Silver Hill at rock bottom and climbing back not only to earn his college degree, but to pursue a career in medicine and now in his third year of school. Matt's very emotional speech was followed by a short video encapsulating the hope that Silver Hill delivers to so many people.
The "critical initiative" followed, with charity auctioneer Lydia Fenet of Christie's soliciting gifts from the audience to directly pay for a month, a week, or a day of treatment. The festive party continued until midnight with dancing to the amazing "Hudson Project," as everyone celebrated the raising of over $350,000 for the Scholarship Fund.
Please click on the 2011 gala photos below to view larger.
We are Distinguished by Our Environment of Care At Silver Hill Hospital we embrace the belief that the environment of care is as important as the techniques of care. Our beautiful 45-acre country campus in New Canaan, Connecticut is homelike and dignified. It offers our patients the setting they need to foster the process of recovery.
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