Opioid Addiction Treatment Expert Joints Recovery Centers of America

An opioid addiction treatment expert has joined the Recovery Centers of America (RCA) to help fight the current opioid epidemic. RCA is an innovative, evidence-based addiction treatment provider with six facilities across the East Coast. Heidi Ginter, MD, has been named Chief Medical Officer at the Danvers and Westminster facilities of the RCA.

Dr. Ginter has nearly two decades of experience working in the field of addiction treatment. She is a prominent voice in medication-assisted treatment or MAT. MAT involves the use of FDA-approved medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies. This is widely considered one of the most effective tools when it comes to battling addiction to opioids and other drugs.

This is because addiction affects a person on multiple levels. The physical aspect of addiction takes hold of a drug user’s health, weakening their body and making them reliant on the substance. Attempting to quit will lead to withdrawal, intense cravings, and relapse. There is also the threat of overdose.

At the same time, there is a mental aspect of addiction that prevents patients from wanting to get better. There are various psychological effects caused by drug abuse that prevent users from making the right decisions. They also get depressed, anxious, paranoid, etc. Click the link to see Phoenix's top rehab placement programs.

The MAT approach allows the body to flush out the drug and take it out of a person’s system safely. Counseling and behavioral therapy can address the root cause of addictive behavior.

Dr. Ginter graduated from Yale University and earned her doctorate at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She has lectured extensively on the benefits of MAT and how it fights opioid dependence. Some people wonder how medications can solve a problem like opioid addiction, which is actually medications themselves. By properly educating patients, these concerns can be addressed.

Dr. Ginter started her career as a family doctor for underserved populations. Eventually, she found a passion for helping pregnant women who were struggling with addiction. Today, where there is an opioid epidemic killing thousands of people each year, her specialization makes Dr. Ginter one of the most well-equipped to handle the crisis.

Most recently, she was the Regional Medical Director and Chief Medical Officer for an outpatient addiction treatment provider with 16 sites in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Connecticut.

“I was thrilled to join the Recovery Centers of America team because I know that patients at RCA are treated like family—with dignity and excellence– in environments where healing can happen,” she said. “Importantly, RCA sees the immense value of offering medication-assisted treatment in addition to residential care and other outpatient programs to help people struggling with substance use disorder.”

As Chief Medical Officer for the RCA, Dr. Ginter will oversee all medical treatment at RCA’s alcohol and drug addiction treatment facilities in Massachusetts.

“RCA proudly hires individuals at the forefront of addiction treatment. I am excited to partner with Laura Ames and Mike Stuart, the Chief Executive Officers at Danvers and Westminster, whom I have known and respected for many years, and all of the committed staff at both facilities as we work to save the lives of those suffering from addiction with our patient-centered, individualized treatment program.”

RCA Chief Operating Officer JP Christen thinks that Dr. Ginter is a great addition to the team. “Heidi brings a wealth of experience to our Massachusetts facilities but also a fervent passion for helping people struggling with substance use disorder, and her specific expertise with medication-assisted treatment will be a valuable asset to all of our programs.”

If someone in the family is struggling with opioid addiction, it is important to seek help. A combination of medical detox and behavioral therapy can go a long way in the fight against drug abuse. But because every individual is affected by addiction differently, a comprehensive program tailored to their specific needs is necessary. Look for a nearby addiction treatment facility today and find out how drug treatment programs work.