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  GENERAL
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 AIDS
AND HIV TESTING FOR HEROIN ADDICTS
HEPATITIS
IN ADDICTS
TREATMENT
OF OPIATE DEPENDENCE
GENERAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is Aegis Medical Systems?
Aegis Medical Systems, Inc. is a network of thirty outpatient Narcotic
Replacement Therapy Program facilities in California. Aegis Medical Systems,Inc.
provides treatment to approximately 5000 heroin addicts each day.
Aegis offers methadone detoxification (detox) and maintenance as
well as LAAM maintenance treatments. Naltrexone treatment, alcohol treatment,
and counseling programs are also offered. Our counseling program includes
vocational rehabilitation, nutritional counseling, parenting and family
preservation. (Back)
What is Narcotic Replacement Therapy?
Narcotic Replacement Therapy (NRT) is scientifically proven to
be by far the most successful treatment in helping the heroin addict get off
heroin. With ‘over 30 years of success’, N.R.T. is extremely effective when
combined with counseling to help the patient return to a more normal life.
Continued use of IV drugs greatly increases the risk of contracting HIV,
Hepatitis C, as well as the possibility of overdose. (Back)
Is Narcotic Replacement Therapy safe?
When used as directed, Methadone and LAAM are safe treatments
for heroin. Continued use of IV drugs greatly increases the risk of contracting
HIV, Hepatitis C, as well as the possibility of overdose. Your dosage is
determined by the Clinic Doctor. (Back)
What is Methadone*?
Methadone is a long-acting synthetic narcotic, used primarily in
the treatment of narcotic addiction. Given to those addicted, it suppresses
withdrawal without a ‘high’.
Another positive effect of oral methadone, is that methadone patients are more
engaged in living their lives without the craving or withdrawal symptoms.
*This is a maintenance medication that is taken daily. (Back)
What is LAAM*?
LAAM is an oral liquid narcotic medication for the treatment of
opiate addiction. LAAM prevents withdrawal symptoms for up to 3 days and blocks
the “high” of street opiates.
*This is a maintenance medication that is taken 3 times a week. (Back)
Is Aegis on the Internet?
Would you like to know more about how Aegis can help you live a
more productive lifestyle? Look us up on the Web at www.aegismed.com, or come
into any of our clinics and speak to a professional staff person. Get started on
the road to better health today! (Back)
What If I’m pregnant?
Patients who are pregnant can be admitted to Narcotic
Replacement Therapy at any time during the pregnancy. THE EARLIER YOU BEGIN
TREATMENT, THE BETTER FOR YOUR BABY. (Back)
How will I be treated at the clinic?
You will be treated with dignity and respect! Our professional
staff are well-trained and compassionate people who really want to help you
improve your quality of life and become a productive individual in society. (Back)
How can I benefit from treatment?
Your health will improve as well as your relationships, allowing
you to maintain a more normal lifestyle. You won’t feel sick all the time and
will be able to care for yourself and those who need your attention. (Back)
Is the treatment program convenient?
Absolutely! Our clinics are open between 5:00 and 6:00 a.m.
depending on the location, to accommodate patients who work early. Admissions to
treatment are done Monday-Friday. (Weekend medication is provided to patients
already enrolled in a treatment program.) (Back)
How do I sign up for treatment?
Just call the clinic in your area! We have many locations to
choose from, or call our corporate offices at 1-800-821-0775 for assistance. (Back)
Can I go on vacation or travel while on maintenance?
Yes, should you take a trip away from your home clinic, Aegis
staff can arrange for you to receive your medicine in a clinic near your
destination. Take home medication can be provided to you when you have been with
the program for a specific length of time and have demonstrated an ability to
remain free of illicit drug use. (Back)
Why do I need counseling?
Counseling services are included and are an important part of
your individualized treatment. When patients enter treatment they usually bring
many problems with them. Turning away from old habits is usually difficult. This
is where counseling comes in. Our counselors work with patients in helping them
identify their problems and finding solutions in a drug-free lifestyle. (Back)
What are the side effects of Narcotic Replacement
Therapy?
Although all medicines have potential side effects, methadone is
no different. The three most common side effects to methadone are constipation,
weight gain and excess perspiration. Only a small percentage of patients
experience any side effects. Symptoms usually disappear after a short time. (Back)
I heard that Narcotic Replacement Therapy disrupts your
sex life.
All opiates including heroin and methadone when taken for a
prolonged period of time are capable of decreasing the natural hormones related
to sexual function. Only a small percentage of patients develop this side
effect. (Back)
Is my treatment confidential?
Confidential treatment of patients on Narcotic Replacement
Therapy is the law. All Aegis clinics maintain the highest quality service to
our patients, and that begins with confidentiality. Staff is thoroughly trained
in all aspects of protecting patient privacy as demanded by Federal Codes. (Back)
How can I pay for the treatments?
At Aegis, treatment can be paid for in various ways. Aegis
honors personal checks, credit cards, cash and insurance programs like HMO’s,
Medical/Medi-Care, and Drug Medi-Cal. We will also assist you in gaining
eligibility for government services you may qualify for and not be aware of. (Back)
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