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Addiction Treatment Working with recovering addicts at a methadone clinic is one of hundreds of ways in which Medical Mission Sisters around the world try to be a healing presence to those in need today. For the past 12 years, Sister Anne-Marie Desroches has worked at the Addiction Treatment Center of New England in Brighton, MA. She is the Nurse Practitioner at the Center, an outpatient methadone clinic serving 300 clients. "To start the program, a client needs a history and a physical, and screening tests for TB, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis," she explains. "It's my responsibility to start and finish the task. I am also a member of the management team, and chair the weekly interdisciplinary meetings." 65% of the clients are between age 35 and 55. The program offers them methadone maintenance or methadone de-tox, as well as mandated individual and group counseling. Methadone reduces the craving for opiates. "When taken properly, the client reaches a 'steady state.' Stability is the point - no cravings, no withdrawals," says Sister Anne-Marie. "For some clients, methadone is what keeps them 'normal.' They raise families, hold a job, go to school." Once the cravings are under control, the real work of recovery begins. "Issues addicts have to work through are universal: blaming others; making excuses; not taking responsibility; asking and giving forgiveness." Sister Anne-Marie reflects, "I think detachment is a good arrow to have in your quiver." As the only Nurse Practitioner at the Center, Sister Anne-Marie sees clients when they enter the program, and then annually. She also sees them over time, for example, if they want HIV testing. She tries to be fair, respectful, and a good listener. "Addiction is a relapsing illness," shares Sister Anne-Marie. "It's a pleasure to see clients who are taking positive steps."
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