FAQs

How soon can I be seen?

We understand that calling ARCA is a difficult call to make; many potential patients call us while they are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Since rebuilding your life is important to you, we generally see you on the same day you make the call, or within 24 hours, if you meet the Assisted Recovery Centers criteria for treatment.

How do I prepare for my first visit?

You will need to bring in one form of identification, any heath insurance information that will help cover the cost of the prescription medication, and come in with a full bladder, because an in-office Urine Drug Screen will be performed at every office visit (at no additional cost to you). You can fill out forms when you arrive, or you can download the forms from this website, fill them in, and bring them in at the time of your first visit.

What can I expect at my first visit?

Your initial visit with one of our physicians is about 30 minutes long. You will spend the time discussing your addiction history and other pertinent medical history. Your physician will also spend time discussing your disease of addiction with you.

You will get instructions on how to take your first dose of buprenorphine once you are in moderate withdrawal. You will leave with written instructions and a prescription of buprenorphine for seven days.

What can I expect on day seven?

You will again meet with the physician, a Urine Drug Screen will again be performed, and any adjustment to your medication — if needed — will be made. At this visit, you will be given a prescription for 28 days. This visit is included in the monthly fee.

When will I return to the center?

If you are in the maintenance program, you will return to the center every 28 days.

Will my insurance cover these services?

We do not participate with insurance companies, but insurers will frequently cover the cost of the medications. There is a once-monthly fee due at the time of your office visit. If your insurer has an "out of network" provision, you may be able to submit the claim for partial reimbursement. We will provide you with an adequate receipt for this.

How long can I expect to be in treatment?

We live in exciting times; drug addiction — once a scourge to humanity — can now be effectively treated with anti-craving medication. Like other chronic diseases, the addictive brain can now be stabilized with medication, and patients can lead relatively normal lives.

Many patients are able to achieve their recovery goals and slowly wean off buprenorphine. Others, in consultation with their physicians, choose to remain on reduced doses for an indefinite period of time.

At Assisted Recovery Centers of America - Mid Atlantic, most of our patients who have maintained abstinence for a reasonable period of time and have met their recovery goals attempt to gradually wean off from buprenorphine.