ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A smile of satisfaction tore across Joe Martellucci’s face as though he’d just been told he’d won the lottery.
And, in some way, he had.
Outside, preparations were underway for the ribbon-cutting celebration for the new Mid-Atlantic Rehabilitation Services, or MARS, family-focused, substance abuse treatment center — specifically opioid addiction.
Inside the new center at 1255 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Suite 1610, Martellucci, the administrator of Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol Services, was discussing the effectiveness and importance of the three-year-old FORT program, or Families Obtaining Recovery Together, which is an agency of MARS.
Funded by Lehigh County’s $17.6 million share of the $1 billion settlement several states reached with pharmaceutical companies that manufacture opioids, Martellucci explained that the FORT program assists family members impacted by a loved one’s addiction — all at no cost to families.
With therapy sessions for family members, case management, and the support of certified family peer specialists, the FORT program offers hope and healing to the loved ones of people with substance abuse disorders.
'They come in and say thank you'
Martellucci was asked to share an impactful experience he has had with a family member who participated in the FORT program while their loved one was in the grips of addiction.
To explain it, he reached not into a data bank for cold numbers, but warm memories from his gratified heart.
“I’ve had people stop at the Government Center, ask for me and tell me that FORT has changed their entire lives,” Martellucci said.
“They come in and say thank you. I see the look on their faces and hear what the program has done for them. Those conversations keep me going for months.”
For far too long, treatment for substance abuse addiction was limited to the person who was addicted.
The impact of addiction often is crippling to family members and loved ones, and in many cases leaving them nowhere to turn to deal with their crises.
'Lives are changed'
With the support of Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol, MARS has developed a first-of-its-kind program to bring families innovative treatment that places them at the center of the therapeutic process.
“This is the 17th year for the MARS program and third year for FORT,” MARS Facility Director Gregory Krausz said. “We have over 400 people in drug and alcohol treatment and 75 staff members assisting them.
“Most insurance won’t pay for services for family members of someone addicted unless the individual using substances is present. Many times that person won’t choose to go into recovery. That’s why programs like ours are invaluable.”
"It's an everybody problem."Phil Armstrong, Lehigh County executive
Benefits of the FORT Program:
• Comprehensive counseling services including individual therapy, couple’s therapy, family therapy, case management, family peer support, and group therapy
• Support for all ages, starting from as young as 5 years old
• An inclusive definition of “loved ones,” accommodating non-biological relatives and those with deceased loved ones
• Weekly codependency groups and psychoeducation sessions about substance use disorders
• Specialized groups like one devoted to grandparents raising children. While the grandparents are in their group a concurrent one for the children operates at the same time
“Families feel healthier and get healthier with this program. Lives are changed whether or not their loved one with addiction chooses to get help.”Gregory Krausz
“Families feel healthier and get healthier with this program,” Krausz said. “Lives are changed whether or not their loved one with addiction chooses to get help.”
'Opioid crisis affects all families'
The opioid epidemic has been exploding in the United States since the 1990s.
An average of 14 Pennsylvania residents die each day from an overdose of drugs such as fentanyl, hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine, heroin and morphine, according to the state Office of the Governor website.
Originally prescribed to block pain in patients undergoing medical procedures, opioids have a double-edged effect.
While blocking the pain, the drug also creates a euphoric high that is easily addictive. People become reliant on the drug and feel pain without it.
As a result, people start to take higher doses or seek out potent alternatives, as the drug creates a chemical change in the brain, making it believe it needs more opioids to survive.
Lehigh County Executive Phil Armstrong addressed the gathering outside the new center.
“The opioid crisis affects all families,” Armstrong said. “I don’t know of any family who hasn’t been impacted by addiction in some way. It’s an everybody problem.
“What better way to use the funding from the opioid settlement than to help families right here in Lehigh County? Hopefully, we can kick the opioid problem in the" backside.
For more information about MARS and the FORT program, go to www.marsatp.com or call the main office at (610) 419-3101.
