December 12, 2000

Flushing Hospital Opens New Alcohol Outpatient Clinic

Alcoholism is one f the largest growing problems in New York. The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services estimate that approximately 525,000 adults in New York City are problem drinkers. Realizing this growing problem and the limited treatment centers available in the area, Flushing Hospital Medical Center recently opened its Alcohol Outpatient Clinic for those who suffer from alcoholism and substance abuse.

Supported by Flushing Hospital's full service Psychiatric and Chemical Dependency Department, the alcoholism clinic is staffed with a multidisciplinary team of credentialed alcohol and substance abuse councilors, certified social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurses dedicated to the treatment of addiction. A holistic approach is given to the treatment of addiction and its impact on the patients' life and their family. Each patient is given comprehensive and completely confidential treatment that is highly individualized to their specific needs, offering them the maximum amount of support needed to make a complete recovery.

The clinic offers individual, group and family therapy as well as educational or topic-focused groups including Basic Skills, Relapse Prevention and Stress Management. Educational and support services are also available for the spouses of sufferers and evaluation and treatment is also available for Spanish speaking patients. For those patients that require an alternate level of treatment, referrals can also be arranged

According to Dr Mark Wielgus, Director of the Outpatient Alcohol Abuse Clinic "There has been a lack of services for people with alcohol and substance abuse problems in the area. We hope to be able to provide high quality treatment and education for those people as well as provide support to their families and significant others. Dr Wielgus adds, "Addition is an illness. Our program is designed to help people stop the cycle of abuse, help them feel better about themselves and develop healthier and happier lives."

The clinic is located in Room 306 in Flushing Hospital Medical Sciences building. Clinic hours are Monday and Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 5:p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Most private insurance is accepted as well as Medicaid and Medicare. A very affordable sliding fee is also available for those without insurance. For more information about he clinic, or to make an appointment, call 718-670-5078.

Dr Weilgus and his staff at Flushing Hospital's Outpatient Alcohol Clinic are available for an interview and a tour of the clinic. To arrange an interview or to find out more information, contact Flushing Hospital's Public Affairs office at 718-670-8930.