Tulsa recovery center becomes first to offer full-spectrum meth treatment

(TULSA, Okla.) 12&12, an addiction recovery center in Tulsa, has expanded to become the first facility in Oklahoma to provide methamphetamine-specific treatment services that cover the entire spectrum of care, from detox to residential to outpatient services. 12& 12 receives funding through the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS), which also provided funding for the pilot program. “Untreated addiction is stealing Oklahoma lives and destroying families, costing our state millions in preventable expense and having a profound negative impact on our communities,” said ODMHSAS Interim Commissioner Carrie Slatton-Hodges. Slatton-Hodges, who previously served as deputy commissioner of treatment and recovery services, said a resurgence of methamphetamine use in Oklahoma, particularly in northeastern Oklahoma and the Tulsa area, is a priority concern. In FY16, methamphetamine became the number one “drug of choice” cited by those seeking ODMHSAS substance use treatment services. Also, the number of unintentional poisoning deaths due to meth continues to increase. In 2018, 339 Oklahomans died from meth-related deaths, more than double the number from 2014, when 159 people died from methamphetamine overdoses. The agency has been addressing meth’s growing threat by partnering with contracted system providers, community leaders, the medical community, law enforcement, resource and assistance providers, and others, she said. “Our efforts to address opioid abuse and overdose deaths have led Oklahoma to be one of just a few states to see negative trends reversed,” said Slatton-Hodges. “By proactively confronting challenges related to meth, we are confident we will see similar positive change.” The 12&12 program will have gender-specific treatment, as well as detox beds. “Understandably, in recent years, response to the opiate crisis has received much of our resources and attention. However, we must make room in our public discourse for another emerging public health crisis as extremely pure, highly addictive methamphetamine is readily available, and widespread use is happening in Oklahoma,” said 12&12 Executive Director Bryan Day. “12&12 is working as rapidly as possible to ensure expansion of new and effective treatment is available to provide hope to those impacted by meth, save lives and respond to the situation,” he said. “In response, with funding provided by ODMHSAS, 12&12 is adding an additional four dedicated meth detox beds, as well as 15 female and 15 male meth dedicated Intensive residential treatment feds.” Interim Commissioner Slatton-Hodges said someone experiencing meth-induced psychosis will first receive help through Family & Children’s Services, which provides 24/7 crisis services, as well as mobile crisis response. 12&12 will provide intensive detox services and, if needed, anti-psychotic and other medications. After additional assessment, clients will transfer to meth-specific residential treatment, also if needed. Following inpatient treatment, the length to be based on individual needs, clients will continue with outpatient services designed specifically for meth addiction recovery. “This effort involves a step-by-step protocol of linking people to the right treatment services, and then to the services and community resources they need to remain well and integrate back into the community,” she said. “Services that are targeted to address the unique circumstances of meth use, addiction and recovery are sorely needed in Oklahoma, now more so than ever. We hope to expand the 12&12, Inc., program to other facilities if it proves successful.” 12&12, Inc., is located at 6333 E. Skelly Dr. and can be reached at 918-664-4224 or 1-800- 680-8979. Family & Children’s Services, through its Community Outreach Psychiatric Emergency Services (COPES) program, operates a 24-hour crisis line; its Crisis Care Center is located at 1055 S. Houston Ave. Both can be accessed by calling 918-744-4800.