Center for Drug & Alcohol Programs (CDAP)

The Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs intensive outpatient program provides treatment for people suffering from addiction to drugs and/or alcohol who have completed detoxification or who do not require hospitalization. The dynamic outpatient format involves patients in recovery-oriented activities across several days a week.

The intensive outpatient program is comprehensive, incorporating recovery skills, education, individual, and group therapy. Our treatment model draws upon evidence-based treatment modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, twelve-step facilitation, and medication management. Our psychiatrists and counselors are highly skilled, and use a variety of medical, behavioral, and psychological interventions proven by experience and research to effectively reduce the chances of relapse and to maximize the benefits of treatment.

Patients can enter the intensive outpatient program treatment at any time. Upon entry to the program, clients are assigned to one of our individual clinicians, who work with clients to help tailor the program to meet their unique treatment goals. All clients receive a thorough evaluation at treatment onset to build rapport and guide treatment planning. During the program, clients also work with their clinicians to develop an aftercare plan for maintaining recovery. This follow-up plan may include a less intensive schedule of further individual or group therapy to reinforce specific treatment goals. Long-term disease management is encouraged through booster sessions with your individual clinician, to reinforce recovery efforts and facilitate growth in sober living skills.

The intensive outpatient program groups meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. Our program is enhanced with Wednesday evening relapse prevention virtual groups, in which current program attendees participate alongside graduates of the program as part of our thriving recovery community. Call 843-792-5200 to learn more about our outpatient services.

The Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs outpatient clinic offers individual treatment sessions for those suffering from addiction to alcohol or other drugs. Following an initial evaluation, clients are assigned to a clinician who provides individual treatment that is rooted in evidence-based practices. Our team of psychiatrists are available to treat patients with the latest addiction medications designed to reduce cravings and decrease the chances of relapse.

All outpatient clinical services take place either virtually or in person at 67 President Street. For outpatient services call 843-792-5200.

CDAP offers a Buprenorphine Maintenance Clinic for opiate dependent patients. This clinic consists of medical management of opiate withdrawal symptoms and cravings, along with group psychotherapy. These services are delivered by addiction psychiatrists and addiction counselors operating in conjunction with each patient to achieve optimal outcomes.

The Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs offers confidential addictions evaluations and treatment for medical and legal professionals. The CDAP staff works regularly with professional associations and licensing boards to assure optimum care and recovery for referred persons.

Alcohol blood tests and urine drug screening tests help clinicians monitor each patient’s progress during treatment. These tests also provide valuable feedback to patients and alert the clinician to potential relapse problems.

Biomarker tests for excessive alcohol use include the urine test ethylglucuronide (EtG) and blood tests, carbohydrate deficient transferrin (percent dCDT), and Phospatidyl Ethanol (PEth). These tests can indicate if a patient has been drinking over the recent past. For example, if percent dCDT test results are high, this indicates that a patient has probably been drinking at least five standard alcoholic drinks per day for the past two weeks or longer. The percent dCDT test is correct in identifying heavy drinking in 9 out of 10 individuals. As our patients progress in their recovery from alcohol use disorder, seeing their biomarkers change can be very rewarding. Biomarkers are also helpful to our patients who have other parties interested in objective indicators of treatment outcome.

Screening for specific drugs is conducted via urine samples. Screening can be conducted on the presence of:

• Amphetamine
• Barbiturates
• Benzodiazepines
• Buprenorphine
• Cannabinoid
• Cocaine
• Fentanyl
• Methamphetamine
• Opiates
• Oxycodone
• PCP

Since the Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs conducts a number of clinical trials investigating new pharmacological and psychosocial treatments for addiction, some individuals may decide to participate in this research. However, individuals must meet certain qualifications to be included in these studies and not everyone qualifies.

Although CDAP does not offer treatment for adolescents, MUSC does offer treatment for this age group through the Youth Collaborative, or through Family Tree.

The Youth Collaborative is dedicated to fostering healthy development and positively impacting the community. They offer clinical services, research opportunities, and education programs focused on preventing and addressing youth substance use, while also encouraging young people to pursue careers in science and discovery. The Youth Collaborative works with individuals ages 12-25, parents, educators, and clinicians. 

For more information on Youth Collaborative services please visit their website, text the word "LEARN" to 843-608-0514 or fill out their survey!

Family Tree is an outpatient adolescent substance use treatment program that offers therapy to children ages 12-18 who reside in the Berkley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. To refer an adolescent, please complete the referral form. The adolescent may also present with co-occurring mental illness such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma or post-traumatic like symptoms, etc. They will receive therapeutic interventions such as psychoeducation, cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational enhancement as part of the treatment included within their time at Family Tree. If you or a loved one are looking to learn more about the Family Tree Program call 843-709-6663.

The Motivational Enhancement Therapy Group, or MET group, provides services for people who are considering making changes to their drug or alcohol use. Groups consist of psychoeducation, craving and mood management strategies, and a variety of evidence-based interventions to assist participants in making decisions and taking action to address substance use. 

Patients can enter the Motivational Enhancement Therapy Group at any time. Prior to enrollment, patients receive a thorough evaluation. With the assistance of skilled therapists, group participants are supported in taking steps toward recovery should they pursue further treatment.

The Motivational Enhancement Therapy Group meets on Mondays from 4 to 5 p.m. For more information, please call 843-792-5200.