meadville tribune

The Rev. Cindy Kightlinger, facility director of Mercy House of Meadville, a faith-based treatment center located at 13180 Leslie Road, recently announced the addition of an outpatient drug and alcohol unit. Mercy House is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health as an outpatient drug and alcohol facility and offers seven treatment tracks to help the addicted population return to productive functioning in the family, workplace and community.

Mercy House uses a variety of evidence-based approaches to treat addiction. Treatment includes behavioral therapy, individual or group counseling to provide social reinforcement, and enforcement of behavioral contingencies that promote abstinence and a non-drug-using lifestyle. The program also uses cognitive therapy, or contingency management, and the specific type of treatment or combination of treatments vary depending on the patient’s individual needs and the types of drugs used. The severity of addiction and previous efforts to stop using drugs will also be considered, and those who suffer from other mental health needs can have those needs addressed concurrently.

Kightlinger said, “Mercy House desires to help motivate people to participate in drug treatment, to offer strategies for coping with drug cravings, to teach ways to avoid drugs and prevent relapse; and help individuals deal with relapse if it occurs. Behavioral therapies are also utilized to help individuals improve communication, enhance relationships, and parenting skills, as well as family dynamics. Since Mercy House is also faith-based, clients receive a more holistic treatment experience.”

Staff members Cindy Kightlinger, Bev Kerr, Joel Kightlinger and Kristi Poland are dedicated to compassionate and confidential treatment of those who struggle with life-controlling problems.

n For an evaluation or more information: Call Mercy House at 337-6180.