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ABOUT OUR APPROACH Founded in 1984 by Dr. David M. Ockert, a pioneer in the identification and treatment of protracted abstinence syndrome, the Parallax Center incorporates psychopharmacology, and psychosocial, cognitive and behavioral therapies to treat not only the chemical dependency but also any psychological or medical problems as well. Treatment plans typically consist of medically supervised, intensive treatment during the detoxification phase, and group therapy, one-on-one involvement with a therapist, and participation in 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, during the post-detoxification phase. By addressing all aspects of patient problems, patient compliance is increased and relapse rates are reduced. Dr. Ockert also advocates the use of medication when appropriate to help ease patients through the difficult post-withdrawal phase. He has shown that non-addictive medications help stabilize a patient's biochemistry and therefore reduce cravings during detoxification and post detoxification. Research strongly supports this treatment method, demonstrating that medication can provide symptom relief by reducing the hypersensitivity to depression, anxiety and stress (protracted abstinence syndrome) that typically plague a substance abuser for up to 18 months after emergence from detoxification. By this time the nervous system may restore 75% of its neurochemical functioning which was impaired by substance abuse. While portions of the substance abuse treatment community have traditionally questioned this approach Dr. Ockert has found that the use of medications to relieve symptoms of protracted abstinence syndrome is critical to eliciting a positive response to treatment. |
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145 EAST 32ND STREET |