Question 1

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

Syracuse Community Health Center is located in Syracuse, NY at 819 South Salina Street, 13202. Our facility serves individuals throughout New York State and the surrounding areas. We're committed to providing accessible, high-quality treatment in a supportive environment. For detailed directions, parking information, or if you need help with transportation arrangements, please contact us and our admissions team will assist you.

Question 2

How do I start treatment or get admitted?

Accepted Answer

Starting treatment at Syracuse Community Health Center is simple and confidential. First, call our 24/7 helpline at +1 (855) 643-5408 to speak with an admissions specialist. We'll conduct a brief, confidential assessment to understand your needs, verify your insurance coverage, answer all your questions, and schedule your admission date. The entire process typically takes 24-48 hours from first contact to admission, though we can expedite for urgent situations. Don't wait - reaching out is the hardest and most important step. Our compassionate team is here to help you begin your recovery journey. Call +1 (855) 643-5408 now for immediate, confidential assistance.

Question 3

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioids?

Accepted Answer

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. At Syracuse Community Health Center, we use medications like Suboxone (buprenorphine), Methadone, or Vivitrol (naltrexone) to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. MAT is not "trading one addiction for another"—it's using medicine to treat a chronic medical condition, similar to using insulin for diabetes. Research consistently shows MAT reduces overdose deaths by 50% or more, improves treatment retention, and supports long-term recovery. Call +1 (855) 643-5408 to learn if MAT is right for you.

Question 4

How does the 12-step program work?

Accepted Answer

The 12-step program is a peer support approach to recovery originally developed by Alcoholics Anonymous. It involves: admitting powerlessness over addiction, believing in a higher power (broadly defined), taking a moral inventory, making amends, and helping others in recovery. At Syracuse Community Health Center, we incorporate 12-step principles while respecting that this approach works differently for everyone. You'll attend meetings, potentially work with a sponsor, and connect with a recovery community. Research shows 12-step participation significantly improves long-term sobriety rates, especially when combined with professional treatment.

Question 5

What's the difference between CBT and DBT?

Accepted Answer

While both are evidence-based therapies, they have different focuses. CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) builds on CBT but adds emphasis on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal skills. DBT was originally developed for borderline personality disorder but is highly effective for addiction, especially when intense emotions drive substance use. At Syracuse Community Health Center, we use both approaches based on individual needs—some people benefit more from one or the other, or a combination.

Question 6

What if I haven't met my insurance deductible?

Accepted Answer

If you haven't met your deductible, you'll pay more out-of-pocket initially until it's met, then insurance covers a higher percentage. The good news: addiction treatment costs can meet your deductible quickly, especially residential care. Once met, you're covered at the coinsurance rate for the rest of the year. If you've had other medical expenses this year, you may already be close. Syracuse Community Health Center will explain exactly how your deductible affects costs during insurance verification. Don't let deductible concerns delay treatment—we can discuss payment options.

Question 7

How do I prepare for my loved one's return from treatment?

Accepted Answer

Preparing for their return is crucial for sustained recovery. Before they come home: remove all alcohol and substances from the house, adjust family routines to support recovery, identify potential triggers in the home environment, and have a plan for family meetings or therapy. At Syracuse Community Health Center, we involve families in discharge planning to prepare everyone. Understand that recovery continues after treatment—they'll need ongoing support, meetings, and possibly outpatient care. Set realistic expectations: recovery is a process, not an event. Family therapy can help everyone adjust to the new dynamics.

Question 8

Is addiction treatment different for older adults?

Accepted Answer

Older adults have unique treatment needs. Substance use in seniors is often overlooked but increasingly common, sometimes beginning later in life due to: retirement stress, loss of loved ones, chronic pain, isolation, or multiple medications. Treatment considerations include: medication interactions and health conditions, age-appropriate therapy pace, grief and loss issues, cognitive considerations, and building social connections. At Syracuse Community Health Center, we tailor treatment to each person's stage of life. Older adults often respond very well to treatment when it addresses their specific needs. It's never too late to get help and improve quality of life.

Question 9

I have chronic pain. Can I still get addiction treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, addiction treatment is possible—and important—for people with chronic pain. Many people develop opioid addiction after being prescribed painkillers for legitimate pain. At Syracuse Community Health Center, we address both issues: treating addiction while developing non-opioid pain management strategies. This might include: non-addictive medications, physical therapy, mindfulness techniques, and treating underlying conditions. Pain management without opioids is possible for most people. Our medical team understands chronic pain and won't dismiss your suffering. Recovery from addiction often improves pain perception as well. Call +1 (855) 643-5408 to discuss your specific situation.

Question 10

How is treatment different for adolescents?

Accepted Answer

Adolescent addiction requires specialized approaches different from adult treatment. Teen programs address: developmental needs unique to teenagers, family dynamics and involvement, school coordination and academic support, peer pressure and social situations, co-occurring mental health issues (common in teens), and building healthy coping skills for the future. Underlying issues like trauma, depression, ADHD, or family problems often accompany teen substance use. Treatment includes individual therapy, family involvement, peer groups, and life skills. Early intervention gives young people the best chance at a healthy future.

Type of Care	Substance use treatment, Treatment for co-occurring substance use plus either serious mental health illness in adults/serious emotional disturbance in children
Service Settings	Intensive outpatient treatment, Outpatient, Outpatient methadone/buprenorphine or naltrexone treatment, Regular outpatient treatment
Medications Offered	Buprenorphine used in Treatment, Naltrexone used in Treatment

Syracuse Community Health Center

Accepted Payment Methods

Crouse Health Hospital Inc

Meadows Integrated Outpatient Services

Crouse Health Hospital Inc

Helio Health Inc