For Immediate release                                                 Contact: Dr. Robert Zlotnick

June 25, 2008                                                              (609) 272-0101

 

 

 

Local substance abuse prevention agency

announces entry into addiction treatment field

 

Atlantic Prevention Resources (APR) announced last week that they have applied to the New Jersey Division of Addiction Services for a license to provide outpatient alcoholism and drug addiction treatment in Atlantic County.  For more than 23 years, APR has been providing prevention and education services throughout the county but has never provided professional counseling.

During its existence, APR has tried to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction to facilitate getting people help for an addiction problem. APR has also provided a referral service for those in need of treatment.  The agency has done this as a public service at no cost to individuals, and without any funding, to promote treatment and overall wellness in Atlantic County.

As a result of some anticipated changes in funding for prevention services, and related to waiting lists at some local treatment agencies, APR has decided to offer initial screening and the first level of outpatient treatment, initially for DUI offenders.

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APR June 25, 2008

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“Some people may be waiting up to a month for initial screening or intake, and then up to several months for a spot in a group,” said Bob Zlotnick, APR’s executive director.  “We perceive a lack of capacity in South Jersey and particularly in Atlantic and Cape May Counties.  Our main goal is to try to get people help when they ask for help, not weeks or months later,” he said.  Zlotnick did note that one other outpatient center had opened within the past several years in Atlantic County.

The decision to expand services was based on many factors but mainly springs from a true desire to help people and families in need.  According to Dr. Zlotnick, no one will be turned away due to financial concerns.  Initially, there might be one group a week, but they hope to be running a few groups a week by the end of the year.

APR anticipates approval from the State of New Jersey in the near future and looks forward to starting its first group sometime in the fall.  For more information, or to get help for someone with an addiction problem, call APR at 272-0101.