PIECES secretary Robin Weiner said Logan Mingo Area Mental Health's Medical Director John D. Justice has implemented new guidelines that will be focused on taking clients off of addictive benzodiazepines and putting them on less addictive medication.
"There are other medications that deal with anxiety besides xanax, valium, ativan or klonopin," Weiner said, explaining that LMAMH will be requiring patients to taper off of addictive substances as well as implementing random drug screenings.
LMAMH supervisors and employees such as Bob Mays, John Mays and Robin Weiner, have long been a part of local organizations like PIECES committed to drug prevention and awareness.
Weiner had a copy of a notice from Dr. Justice about the new guidelines.
It states in part, "Patients who are taking benzodiazepines (xanax, valium, ativan or Klonopin) especially in this area, our facility in general: We will not start any new patients on these medications; will not increase these medications; will discontinue and/or taper off several patients on these medications; will require random drug screens if you are on these medications; will not prescribe any of these medications if you fail a drug screen; will run a pharmacy profile to see what physician is prescribing you medication. Other medications treat anxiety as well as the above medications. You will not benefit from medication treatment if you are abusing medications and/or alcohol.
"We will refer you for outpatient or inpatient detox or treatment if you have a prescription or street medication addiction. If you refuse this option you most likely will not receive any medication until you are sober (clean drug screen)."
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