It was a scary time for Paola in early November.
After years of drinking, she knew she had to get help.
“I knew I had to go to rehab,” said Paola, 28. “I was scared to just go straight into a rehab center.”
A friend of hers works at Meritus Medical Center and gave her the number of a community peer recovery coach at the Meritus Crisis Center.
He told her to come to the six-bed inpatient facility which supports the needs of those struggling with addiction.
The program, on the Meritus campus off Robinwood Drive, is for patients 18 and older who might have experienced an overdose and/or are willing to go to long-term treatment for addiction.
The average stay is two days while a plan is made to link the patient directly to residential or intensive outpatient treatment, such as the InStep program at Brook Lane Health Service’s North Village.
“I was finding any excuse not to go to residential rehab,” Paola said. “The Crisis Center workers showed me the steps to accept the fact that rehab would be a good choice for me.”
Paola was one of 350 patients seeking to end the cycle of addiction who came to the Crisis Center last year. The facility, which was opened Sept. 15, 2023, through a partnership between Meritus and Brook Lane, builds upon the success of a pilot initiative that featured three crisis stabilization beds, launched in August 2022.
It was born out of the need to address the rising number of overdose deaths that had plagued the region and the nation since the mid-2010s.
At the high point in 2022, 114 people in Washington County died by overdosing on opioids, fentanyl, alcohol and other drugs, according to the Maryland Department of Health.
However, fatal overdose deaths in the county decreased in 2023 and 2024.
There were 57 people who died by overdosing, a 38 percent drop from 2023, when 93 people died, according to MDH statistics.
Meritus behavioral health leaders attribute the decrease to multiple factors, including the prevalence of medications that counteract the effects of an opioid overdose, such as naloxone, as well as improved behavioral health treatment in the community.
“While there is no one solution to the epidemic of addiction, we feel confident the Crisis Center played a role in the drop in fatal overdoses,” said Allen Twigg, chief operating officer of Brook Lane Health Services, which became an affiliate of Meritus Health in 2024. “Every time we open a door to immediate help, we avert a potential tragedy.”
Paola said she was happy a door was opened to her in those scary days in early November.
After filling out paperwork, talking to a therapist and having her blood drawn, she got a short tour. Then, the therapist gave a rundown of what would happen during her stay.
That included going over the benefits of a residential rehab facility versus an outpatient program. Ultimately, she was connected with a rehab facility in Frederick County.
“I really liked that,” she said. “If I hadn’t gone to the Crisis Center, I wouldn’t have done residential.”
The Crisis Center is another way Meritus is meeting its mission of improving the health of the community.
“We provide a safe place that has medical resources when needed, and it’s proving to be a successful model,” said Jeff O’Neal, chief executive officer of Brook Lane.
Metrics indicate the program has been successful. The number of people readmitted over 90 days is only 10 percent.
“These beds aren’t just a place to land,” O’Neal said. “They’re a launching pad for recovery.”
date: 2025-05-06 21:50:00
Meritus Crisis Center: Helping Those ‘Scared’ to Seek Addiction Help
Table of Contents
- Meritus Crisis Center: Helping Those ‘Scared’ to Seek Addiction Help
- Why are People Afraid to Seek Addiction Treatment?
- How Meritus Crisis Center Addresses These Fears
- Addiction treatment Options Offered at Meritus
- Benefits of Seeking Help at Meritus Crisis Center
- Practical Tips for Overcoming the Fear of Seeking Help
- case Studies: Real People, Real Recovery
- First-Hand Experience: What to Expect
- Table: Comparing Meritus Treatment Options
- Overcoming Addiction: A Journey of Hope
Facing addiction is daunting. It’s even harder when fear holds you back from seeking the help you desperately need. You are not alone. Many individuals struggle with feelings of shame, anxiety, and uncertainty that prevent them from reaching out. Meritus Crisis Center understands these fears and provides a compassionate, judgment-free surroundings for individuals struggling with substance abuse.
Why are People Afraid to Seek Addiction Treatment?
The barriers to seeking addiction treatment are numerous and complex. Understanding these reasons is the first step in dismantling them.
- Stigma: The societal stigma associated with addiction can be incredibly isolating. People fear being judged, labeled, or ostracized by family, friends, and colleagues.
- Fear of Judgment: Many fear being seen as weak, immoral, or lacking willpower. They imagine judgment from healthcare professionals and othre patients.
- Denial: Sometimes, acknowledging the severity of the problem is too painful. denial acts as a defense mechanism, preventing individuals from facing their addiction.
- Uncertainty about Treatment: Myths and misconceptions about addiction treatment can create fear and anxiety.People envision harsh, punitive environments, or believe treatment simply doesn’t work.
- Fear of Withdrawal: The physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal can be terrifying. Knowing that withdrawal can be managed safely with medical supervision remains unknown to many.
- Financial Concerns: The cost of addiction treatment can be a meaningful barrier, especially for those without insurance coverage.
- Fear of Failure: Some individuals have attempted treatment before and relapsed, leading to feelings of hopelessness and a fear of future failures.
- Worries About Family: Some may worry about the impact that their treatment may have on family members or loved ones.
- Fear of Losing Control: Surrendering control to treatment professionals can be frightening, especially for those who have relied on substances to feel in control.
How Meritus Crisis Center Addresses These Fears
Meritus Crisis Center is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment that alleviates these fears and encourages individuals to take the first step toward recovery. Here’s how they do it:
- Compassionate and Non-Judgmental Approach: the center emphasizes empathy and understanding. Staff members are trained to listen without judgment and provide support with respect and dignity.
- Confidentiality and Privacy: Meritus adheres to strict confidentiality protocols to protect patient privacy, assuring individuals that their struggles will remain private.
- Education and Information: The center provides thorough information about addiction and treatment options,dispelling myths and addressing misconceptions.
- Medical Detoxification: Medically supervised detoxification helps manage withdrawal symptoms safely and comfortably,reducing the fear and anxiety associated with withdrawal.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Recognizing that every individual’s experience with addiction is unique, Meritus creates personalized treatment plans tailored to meet specific needs and goals.
- Financial Assistance Options: The center explores various financial assistance options to make treatment more accessible and affordable.
- Aftercare Support: Meritus provides ongoing aftercare support to help individuals maintain their sobriety and prevent relapse, building confidence and fostering long-term recovery.
- Family Support Services: Recognizing addiction’s impact reaches beyond the individual, the Crisis Center has dedicated support services for the family involved in the treatment process.
- Therapeutic Services: A multitude of therapeutic exercises are available for the patient to learn more about the underlying issues with the addiction.
Addiction treatment Options Offered at Meritus
Meritus Crisis center offers a range of addiction treatment options to meet the diverse needs of its patients:
- Detoxification: medically supervised withdrawal management to safely clear substances from the body.
- Inpatient Rehabilitation: Residential treatment programs providing intensive therapy, counseling, and support in a structured environment.
- Outpatient Treatment: Flexible treatment options allowing individuals to continue living at home while attending therapy and support groups.
- Individual Therapy: One-on-one counseling sessions to address underlying issues contributing to addiction.
- Group Therapy: peer support groups providing a safe space to share experiences and learn from others.
- Family Therapy: Addressing the impact of addiction on the family system and improving communication and support.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Using medications like naltrexone or buprenorphine to manage cravings and prevent relapse for alcohol and opioid addictions.
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Addressing co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, which frequently enough accompany addiction.
Benefits of Seeking Help at Meritus Crisis Center
Choosing Meritus Crisis Center for addiction treatment offers numerous benefits:
- Improved Physical Health: Addiction takes a toll on the body. Treatment helps restore physical health and well-being.
- Improved Mental Health: Addressing underlying mental health issues and developing coping skills improves overall mental well-being.
- Stronger Relationships: Rebuilding trust and improving communication strengthens relationships with family and friends.
- Increased Self-Esteem: Achieving sobriety and personal growth boosts self-esteem and confidence.
- Greater Financial Stability: overcoming addiction reduces financial burdens associated with substance abuse and promotes financial stability.
- Reduced Risk of Relapse: Ongoing aftercare support and relapse prevention strategies reduce the risk of relapse.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Sobriety allows individuals to live fuller, more meaningful lives, free from the constraints of addiction.
Practical Tips for Overcoming the Fear of Seeking Help
If you’re struggling with addiction and afraid to seek help, these practical tips can definitely help you take the first step:
- Acknowledge Your fear: Recognizing and acknowledging your fear is the first step toward overcoming it. Don’t dismiss your feelings; validate them.
- Educate Yourself: Learn about addiction and treatment options to dispel myths and misconceptions. Knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions.
- Talk to Someone you trust: Share your struggles with a trusted friend,family member,or mentor. Their support and encouragement can make a significant difference.
- Research Treatment Centers: Explore different treatment centers and their programs to find one that feels like a good fit. Look for centers with a compassionate and non-judgmental approach.
- Visit a Support Group: Attend an Al-Anon or Nar-Anon meeting to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
- Contact Meritus Crisis Center: Reach out to Meritus Crisis Center directly to learn more about their services and how they can definitely help.
- Focus on the Benefits: Remind yourself of the positive outcomes of treatment, such as improved health, relationships, and overall well-being.
- Take Small Steps: You don’t have to make a giant leap. Start with small steps, such as making a phone call or attending a single therapy session.
- Celebrate Your Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate every milestone, no matter how small. Recognizing your progress will keep you motivated.
case Studies: Real People, Real Recovery
Hearing real-life stories of recovery can be incredibly inspiring and help to normalize the experience. Here are fictionalized case studies (inspired by real-life scenarios) to illustrate the impact of Meritus Crisis Center’s approach:
Case Study 1: Sarah’s Story
Sarah, a 35-year-old professional, struggled with alcohol addiction for several years. She was terrified of losing her job and her family’s respect if she sought help. She finally confided in her sister,who encouraged her to contact Meritus Crisis Center. Initially hesitant, Sarah was reassured by the center’s commitment to confidentiality and its compassionate approach. She entered an outpatient program, where she received individual therapy and attended group meetings. Over time, Sarah developed coping skills to manage her cravings and address the underlying issues contributing to her addiction. With the support of her therapist, her family, and her peers, Sarah achieved sobriety and rebuilt her relationships. She is now an advocate for addiction awareness.
Case Study 2: Michael’s Journey
michael, a 48-year-old veteran, battled opioid addiction stemming from chronic pain issues. He feared withdrawal symptoms and had previously relapsed after a painful detox. Michael was relieved to learn Meritus Crisis Center offered medically assisted detox that drastically and effectively reduced the pain that would come from withdrawal. After going through medical detox, Michael took part in a men’s support group, group therapy, and 1 on 1 therapy that allowed him to get deep and truly learn about his body, his emotions, and what was possible. He’s stayed sober now for over 6 years and credits the caring staff at Meritus a huge part of his ability to live a clean life.
First-Hand Experience: What to Expect
Stepping into a treatment center for the first time can be nerve-wracking. Here’s a glimpse into what you might experience at Meritus:
- Initial Assessment: an initial confidential assessment will be conducted to help assess the best care possible.
- Supportive Environment: From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by caring and supportive staff dedicated to helping you feel comfortable and safe.
- Individualized Care: A personalized treatment plan will be developed based on your specific needs and goals.
- Evidence-Based therapies: You’ll participate in a variety of evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing (MI).
- Community Support: You’ll connect with other individuals in recovery, building a strong support network and fostering a sense of belonging.
Table: Comparing Meritus Treatment Options
| Treatment Option | Intensity | Living Situation | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detox | High | Medical Facility | Initial withdrawal management |
| Inpatient | High | Residential | Intensive therapy needed |
| Outpatient | Moderate | Home | Flexible support system |
Overcoming Addiction: A Journey of Hope
Seeking help for addiction is a heroic step. It’s a journey of self-discovery, healing, and hope. meritus Crisis Center is dedicated to walking alongside you, providing the support and guidance you need to achieve lasting recovery. Don’t let fear hold you back from the life you deserve. Reach out today and begin your journey toward a brighter future.