Black Mountain Substance Abuse Treatment Center for Women

•    Female.
•    Minimum of 18 years of age. 
•    Ability to function independently in daily living tasks; must be ambulatory. 
•    Review information within Black Mountain Substance Abuse Treatment Center for Women’s (Black Mountain) ‘Program Medical Services’ link for general medical guidelines for admission and participation to the Black Mountain program.
•    Questions relating to medical and/or mental health issues should be addressed with Black Mountain staff prior to transport. Diagnosed mental health conditions and medical issues must be stabilized on medication such that the referral may interact and communicate with others. Any concerns for acute withdrawal will be assessed by medical staff who will disposition accordingly.
•    Referrals on prescription medications must arrive at the facility with a 90-day supply of a ll prescription medications. 
•    Current written TASC assessment and referral that confirms substance abuse dependence as indicated by the Addiction Severity Index, ASAM Level III. If TASC assessment is over 90 days old, it will need to be updated. 
•    A signed Court Order or Post Release Supervision and Parole Commission Order with a referral to the Black Mountain program.
•    Referrals with pending charges/court dates must have court dates continued until program completion. 

INELIGIBILTY CRITERIA 
•    Cannot have Schizophrenia or a chronic or active untreated Psychotic Disorder. 
•    Cannot be pregnant.
•    Cannot have a chronic history of assaultive or violent behaviors.
•    Cannot have pre-existing appointments with primary physician or other healthcare provider.
•    Cannot have medical needs that require a high degree of medical management beyond the scope of practice in the facility including but are not limited to:
     o    Seizure disorders
     o    Brittle diabetes
     o    Uncontrolled hypertension
     o    Dementia
     o    Schizophrenia
     o    Severe Migraines
     o    Dialysis
     o    Chemotherapy/radiation 
•    May not continue on a current Narcotic and/or Opiate except for active buprenorphine (Suboxone) or naltrexone treatment.
 

TASC Referral Process 
•    Referrals should sign a TASC Authorization for Release of Information for Black Mountain Substance Abuse Treatment Center for Women (Black Mountain).
•    Assessment information should be detailed regarding medical issues, mental health issues and medications.
•    Include TASC contact information including name, phone number, fax number, email address, and referral’s county of residence.
•    Referral may be faxed to:
     o    Substance Abuse Counselor-Clinical
     o    Fax number is 828-669-4230 
     o    The phone number for referrals is 828-367-2896.
•    If the referral is not in custody and the assessment is in the TASC office, it would be beneficial for the referral to talk directly with Black Mountain program staff. The facility telephone number is 828-581-4231. 
•    Black Mountain program staff will fax or email a letter of approval or denial to TASC within 10 working days.
•    It is the responsibility of TASC to inform the supervising Probation/Parole Officer of the referral’s admission approved or denied status. 
•    The referral’s Probation/Parole Officer is responsible for obtaining an admission date from Black Mountain staff.

The Black Mountain Substance Abuse Treatment Center for Women (Black Mountain) website is designed to assist Probation/Parole Officers with information and guidelines that will enable officers to make decisions about whether a referral may or may not be appropriate for the Black Mountain program. The information provided will also assist the officer in giving an overview of the program and responding to questions. When there is a question regarding a referral’s appropriateness for assignment to the Black Mountain facility, Black Mountain encourages Probation/Parole Officers to contact the facility prior to transport so staff may assist in making this decision. Referrals who are deemed inappropriate for treatment after arrival will be discharged. 

Program Goals:
•    To assist residents in achieving abstinence from drugs and alcohol.
•    To begin recovery process with dignity.
•    To regain and maintain self-respect and self-worth.
•    To introduce residents to self-help support.
•    To offer family members and friends the opportunity to visit when approved by staff.
•    To establish an individual Aftercare Plan for each resident prior to discharge.

Program Scheduling: 
•    To ensure the referral meets the Black Mountain Eligibility and Criteria Guidelines. (See Web Page)
•    To check for use of unacceptable medications.
•    To follow “Intake Procedure” in Chapter I .0306 of the Community Supervision Policy and Procedure Manual prior to scheduling.
•    If the referral meets the eligibility guidelines, call the Black Mountain facility to schedule the referral for admission -- 828-581-4231.

Program Transport and Staff Safety:
To ensure the safety of staff during transport and at the facility, the supervising Probation/Parole Officer (PPO), on the day of the Black Mountain pick-up, should follow the “Intake Procedure” in Chapter I Section .0306 of the Community Supervision Policy and Procedure Manual. The supervising PPO will:

•    Complete the Black Mountain Medical History Form prior to individual’s pick-up. The form should be placed into the individual’s packet to be given to the van driver and the Black Mountain PPO upon arrival at the facility. If there are any serious medical conditions, call the Black Mountain PPO prior to transport to discuss and get approval.
•    Have the individual read and sign the Rules and Regulations of the Black Mountain program and place in the individual’s packet that is to be given to the van driver at pickup and the Black Mountain PPO upon arriving at the facility.
•    Search the individual’s baggage and person, before the referral is transported to the facility or dropped off for van pickup if Black Mountain staff is transporting.
•    Conduct urinalysis on day of pick up, preferably using instant drug screen so results are known immediately. The supervising PPO will report the results of the drug screen immediately upon arrival to either the van driver, if being transported via Black Mountain staff or Black Mountain PPO if supervising PPO is transporting referral to the facility. 

Specific personal items needed by residents: 

Clothing 
5 Bottoms (pants, jeans, shorts, capris, skirts – any combination). Dresses count as two items - one bottom and one shirt. 
5 Shirts (T-shirts, long-sleeve, etc. – any combination) 
3 Undershirts and/or tank tops. NO SPAGHETTI STRAPS. 
2 Pairs of pajamas (top and bottom or nightgown – any combination) 
10 Pairs of underwear 
10 Pairs of socks 
4 Bras (sports bras are not allowed) 
3 Outerwear items (sweater, sweatshirt, light jacket, winter coat – any combination) 
1 Bathrobe must be at least knee-length (length must reach mid-kneecap or below) 
1 Pair of tennis/walking shoes 
1 Pair of bedroom slippers 
1 Pair of shower shoes (flip-flops) 
1 Pair of other shoes (no wedges/heels, boots above mid-calf, open toes or sandals) 
1 Belt 
2 Hats/head scarves (includes winter and summer items) 
1 Pair of gloves (colder months) 

Personal Items 
10 Hygiene items (i.e. toothpaste, shampoo, body wash/soap, shaving cream, razors, lotion, deodorant, tampons/pads, Q-tips, hair treatments, etc.) – any combination 
10 Makeup Items (i.e. Lip balm, eye liner, foundation, mascara, compacts, etc.) – any combination 
10 Personal Care items (i.e. Hairbrush/comb, toothbrush, nail clippers, tweezers, makeup brushes, emery boards, etc.) – any combination 
2 Pairs of glasses or sunglasses 
1 AM/FM Radio (MUST HAVE HEADPHONES) 
4 Writing/mail supplies (box of envelopes, book of stamps, writing paper/tablet, pens/pencils – any combination) 
1 Wallet or change purse and 1 pocketbook (Purse) no larger than 12”x12” 
1 Journal 
1 Combination or keyed lock 
1 Mesh laundry bag 
2 Books (religious, recovery-related or educational only) 
3 Hobby/craft items (i.e. Non-toxic markers, crossword/puzzle books, yarn/thread, plastic crochet hooks/knitting needles, coloring books) 

Authorized Jewelry 
Residents are permitted jewelry items up to the following quantities: 
1 Watch 
2 Rings (a wedding and engagement ring count as 1 ring) 
1 Bracelet 
1 Necklace 
2 Earrings (no larger than a silver dollar, no longer than one inch) 
8 total jewelry items 

Lockers – Bring a lock and key or a combination lock to place on an assigned personal locker. 

Money – Vending is located at the facility. Snacks and stamps can be purchased. A Trust Fund Account is available for residents who receive money from home (money orders and bank checks will be accepted. Cash, personal checks and business checks will not be accepted). Residents may withdraw up to $60 per week and there is no limit on the amount of money a resident may have in their Trust Fund Account. 

Reading materials – Limited to religious, recovery oriented and educational material, with a maximum of 3 books. No other reading materials are allowed. There are two libraries at the facility for additional reading material.
 
Recreational items – Walkman radios with headphones and sunglasses are permitted.

Medication – If the resident is taking prescription medication(s), this should be discussed with medical staff prior to admission. Bring a 90-day supply of all prescription medications. Do NOT bring over-the-counter medications. 

Miscellaneous – If telephones at home are blocked for collect calls, calls to these numbers will not be possible. Residents must have family/friends set up a GTL advance pay account before contact by telephone can be made. GTL can be contacted by telephone at 1-883-230-7761. 

NO FOOD FROM HOME IS ALLOWED 

All personal effects will be inventoried upon admission; items deemed inappropriate will be disposed of according to program policies and procedures.

As a participant at the Black Mountain Substance Abuse Treatment Center for Women, residents understand that they will:

•    Obey all program rules.
•    Attend all activities and participate in substance abuse treatment, educational classes, individual counseling, office contacts with probation officers, and instructional classes as directed. It is the responsibility of each resident to participate and be supportive of other residents and facility staff in accomplishing the goals and objectives for the Program.
•    Not possess any prohibited items. 
•    Not possess or use any tobacco products: cigarettes, electric cigarettes (based on nicotine factor), cigars, snuff, smokeless tobacco, and chews.
•    Not possess or use weapons. 
•    Not engage in any illegal activity.
•    Not have contact with known gang members.
•    Not possess clothes, jewelry, signs or symbols, or paraphernalia commonly identified with a gang.
•    Allow scars, marks, and tattoos to be photographed.
•    Not engage in any sexual activity.
•    Not display any violent or abusive physical behavior including threats or intimidations toward other residents and/or staff.
•    Submit to warrantless searches as directed by the Probation/Parole Officer.
•    Submit to random drug screens as directed by the Probation/Parole Officer.
•    Maintain appropriate behavior including no horseplay, profanity, and disrespect or gambling.
•    Protect the confidentiality of group discussions and group members.
•    Arrive on time for all classes and/or appointments.
•    Use telephones only as authorized by staff.
•    Not engage in inappropriate behavior during visitation.
•    Remain on the facility premises. ATTEMPTING TO LEAVE WILL BE CONSIDERED ABSCONDING.
•    Lose any personal belonging as Black Mountain staff will dispose of belongings if a resident absconds from treatment/supervision.
•    Maintain clean clothing, living, dining areas and treatment space as assigned.
•    Exercise proper care in the use of program facilities, equipment, materials and supplies.
•    Notify staff of any condition or circumstance that may interrupt or influence the treatment process, program operations or Black Mountain Program Rules and Regulations.
•    Comply with any Aftercare Plan provided by Black Mountain staff.

All residents of the program will sign a form stating this information. A Probation/Parole officer will co-sign the form as well.

The following protocols are presented as a general medical guideline for admission and participation into the program but should not be considered as all-inclusive. Where there is doubt concerning a candidate’s appropriateness for the Black Mountain Substance Abuse Treatment Center for Women (Black Mountain) program, we encourage you to call and consult with the Black Mountain facility about the individual circumstances surrounding the referral. The call could prevent the need for a trip to the facility to pick up a discharged referral.

Medical Staff

Black Mountain provides on-site medical services with a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, a Physician, and a Registered Nurse. Primary medical services are offered five days a week. However, medical staff remains on call 24 hours a day and 7 days a week for medical emergencies.

Medical Limitations

Black Mountain is equipped to treat individuals with minor medical problems such as colds, skin rashes, fungal infections etc. and to provide medical services for minor injuries and illnesses which may occur during the individual’s stay. Black Mountain is further equipped to medically manage more serious conditions as long as the resident is on a stabilizing medical regimen upon arriving at the facility. All such referrals will need to be cleared by medical staff prior to admission and should bring a full supply of medications needed for the 90 Days of expected treatment participation. NOTE: Blister packaging with multiple medications cannot be dispensed at BMSATCW. Blister packaging containing any single medication is acceptable.

Three primary areas of concern are taken into consideration in assignment to the facility and are discussed as follows:

1.    Debilitating Factors: If a referral has a pre-existing condition that severely limits minimal participation in program activities or requires intense, personal, "around the clock" care or assistance (i.e. hospital care and/or outpatient treatment with follow up).
     a.    Individuals requiring detoxification. Black Mountain does not have a detoxification unit. If there are concerns for acute withdrawal upon arrival to the facility, medical staff will assess and disposition accordingly. Substance withdrawal requiring hospital accommodations and monitoring are not appropriate for assignment to the center; medical staff will consult directly with the Julian F. Keith (JFK) Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center (ADATC) for treatment / stabilization and direct return back to Black Mountain to continue the program.
     b.    In the event medication is needed to control chronic pain, a non-narcotic pain reliever may be provided.
     c.    If an individual has a condition requiring hospital care or immediate medical care outside the scope of services provided by Black Mountain (i.e., injuries requiring immediate x-ray, unstable critically high blood pressure, critical heart conditions, etc.), the referral is not appropriate for assignment to the center, it should be noted that such critical conditions will more often be exacerbated by the high stress levels created when one is placed in an intense and highly structured treatment environment.
     d.    Individuals with pre-existing appointments with their primary physician or other health care providers should satisfy, postpone or cancel (if medically appropriate) all such appointments before coming to Black Mountain. This is an issue of "managed care" that should be met before or after treatment services have been provided.

2.    Stabilization: Individuals arriving at the Center with diagnosed pre-existing medical and/or mental health pathology who are in stable condition with prescribed medicines are, with few exceptions, appropriate for the Black Mountain program. Primary consideration is given to mobility, cognition, coherency and comprehension when an assessment of mental status is made.
     a.    Medical staff will continue medical regimens to maintain medical and/or mental health stability as prescribed by the individual’s primary physician after a full assessment has been conducted by the Black Mountain Physician. (Individuals should bring a 90-day supply of all prescription medicines or have refills available.)
     b.    Special accommodations are made for residents whose medical condition requires a regimen of light duty activities (i.e. residents with a history of heart problems and on glycerin regimen will be given light cleaning duties and exempted from strenuous physical activities). 
     c.    All individuals are treated with universal precautions. Individuals with known HIV/AIDS that are current with their labs and clinic visits are appropriate for Black Mountain when in a stabilized condition. Where medical costs (medicines) are high, every attempt will be made to assist these residents with community resources.
     d.    Black Mountain does not have a Methadone maintenance program, but will accept individuals on active buprenorphine (Suboxone) or naltrexone treatment.

3.    Cost: Black Mountain is a residential community-based substance abuse treatment facility within the Alcoholism and Chemical Dependency Programs Section under the jurisdiction of the Department of Adult Correction. However, medical costs are not assumed by the state for major medical and/or mental health care. Black Mountain is not required to provide extensive, major medical care. All individuals should be aware that vision, dental and major health care problems will not be addressed at the expense of Black Mountain or the state of North Carolina. Residents assessed with such conditions will be discharged and referred for hospital care or back to their primary physician.

Black Mountain health care protocol and policy is as stated above and further includes or exempts the following: 

     a. Physical exams, to include blood work and urinalyses are standard protocol for all residents assigned to Black Mountain and therefore these costs are assumed by the state.
     b. Emergency room services are assumed by the state; in-hospital stays are not. When a resident is admitted to the hospital, she is discharged from Black Mountain and hospital costs are assumed by the resident either through personal or family resources. Individuals at high risk for major medical crisis when placed in a new and stressful environment should not be considered for the Black Mountain program.
     c. Inexpensive prescription medication costs may be assumed by Black Mountain within limits and in certain urgent situations. Residents on large amounts of medicine or medicines with high costs must ensure they bring their supply or have the means to pay for refills (i.e. private insurance, cash, etc.).
     d. All residents with vision and dental care needs will be referred to local community resources at the resident’s expense. 
     e. Over-the-counter medicines such as non-aspirin pain relievers, non-alcoholic cough syrup (Robitussin), antacids etc. are provided by the facility.

Medications Not Accepted

* Narcotics/Controlled Medications are too numerous to name them all; therefore other medications not on this list may be prohibited. Please contact Black Mountain if you have questions.
 

Black Mountain Substance Abuse Treatment Center for Women (Black Mountain) views visitation as a PRIVILEGE earned through continuous constructive participation in the treatment program and adherence to program rules. In general, each resident will be allowed THREE guests on campus during any given visitation time. However, we recognize the importance of healthy family systems in recovery and exceptions may be made for additional children of the individual, when to do so contributes to the program goals of the resident. 

In an effort to ensure the safety of each participant, all visitors must adhere to the policies and procedures of the center while on the grounds. Violations may result in the visitor being asked to leave the grounds, with the possibility of loss of future visitation privileges. Black Mountain reserves the right to suspend visitation activity at any time and may search any item brought on the grounds. 

•    Initial visitation may be allowed THREE weeks after arrival if a resident has achieved Early Treatment status.
•    All names of requested visitors must be provided to the center at least ten days in advance of any visitation. Appropriate staff will review custody orders, offender registries, and court records. The facility will abide by all applicable prohibitions established by appropriate agencies, to include the criminal justice system and/or the Department of Social Services, in determining appropriateness of visitors.
•    Persons in the following categories will not be allowed to visit: 
     o    On active probation or released from probation within the last six months (Exceptions can be made by the Facility Manager for immediate family members) 
     o    Pending legal charges 
     o    Released from incarceration within the last six months (Exceptions can be made by the Facility Manager for immediate family members) 
     o    Registered as a sex offender 
•    After the initial waiting period, weekly visitation may be allowed.
•    In order to protect the confidentiality of all residents, each adult visitor must sign the “Acknowledgement of Confidentiality” register and a sign-in list at the door.
•    Appropriate areas will be established for visitation. Staff will provide overall supervision of visitation activity. Adult visitors and the resident will be responsible for the supervision of the children who visit.
•    No food or beverage from outside the facility will be allowed during visitation, without prior approval.
•    Special visitation arrangements may be considered per staff review and approval.
•    All visitors will adhere to the dress code of the facility, as discussed with each resident upon orientation into the program. Visitors may not be “under the influence” of drugs and/or alcohol. Buildings and grounds are “smoke free” zones.