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Chemical Dependency

What is Chemical Dependency?

Chemical dependency is an addiction to or dependency on alcohol, drugs or prescription medication.

To learn more about addiction, click here to visit our Health Library.

Services

Our chemical dependency programs, led by medical director Dr. Paul UpDike, offer a compassionate, non-judgmental approach that is sensitive to the individual’s need of privacy and confidentiality.

Alcohol and Drug Addiction

Catholic Health’s alcohol and drug addiction services are on an outpatient basis only and are provided at our STAR facilities. Our services include:

• Assessment and referral
• Drug and alcohol counseling
• Prescription drug treatment
• Courts program treatment – individuals needing treatment who appear in court for legal violations may be referred to drug court, where access to treatment will be provided. Individuals may be referred to STAR or to additional providers.

Treatment Facilities

• STAR St. Vincent's – Buffalo
• STAR – Amherst

Opiate Addiction

At our Pathways methadone clinics, patients addicted to heroin or prescription drugs receive a liquid dose of methadone, a synthetic opiate that controls withdrawal symptoms and is consumed on-site. Therapy is also provided by our counselors.

Treatment Facilities

• Pathways – Buffalo
• Pathways – Rochester  

Becoming a Patient

Physician referrals are not necessary. In order to receive treatment, please call the phone number at one of our facilities listed above.

The Catholic Health alcohol and substance abuse programs are approved by the Joint Commission (JCAHO) and the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS).