Man Alive, Inc.

(Founded 1967)

Mission Statement:

To improve the quality of life of chemically dependent individuals, their families, and the community by providing compassionate evidence based medication-assisted treatment.

Our Values:

• Compassion
• Autonomy
• Respect
• Empathy

Motto:

Acceptance & Empowerment Promotes Recovery

What is Man Alive, Inc.?

It's an outpatient medication assisted treatment program with services for those individuals dependent on opiates. It was founded in 1967 by  Richard H. Lane, a recovering addict, and Dr. Emmett P. Davis, a general practitioner concerned with the devastating consequences of addiction.

It is the oldest medications assisted treatment program in the State of Maryland and is the second oldest in the Country. Since its inception, the Center has been setting standards for the delivery of high-quality treatment services and recognizes the ethical responsibility of treating all individuals with respect and dignity. Man Alive, has been, and continues to be, in the forefront of training and education in the disease of addiction. IT operates as a private not-for-profit Center, governed by a Board of Directors and guided by a Patient Advisory Board.

Who can participate in treatment?

All individuals physiologically dependent on opioids with a documented one year history of addiction. Drug dependency is a disease that recognizes no age, socioeconomic, racial, ethnic boundaries. Addiction does not discriminate; neither does Man Alive.

What is medication assisted treatment?

The medication Methadone is prescribed and administered orally on a daily basis. It is a synthetic opiate medication. It prevents opiate withdrawal, blocks the effects of illicit opiate use and decreases opiate craving. All individuals sustained on adequate dosages of methadone can function normally. They are gainfully employed, avoid the past behaviors of crime and violence associated with the illegal aspects of addiction and reduce their exposure to HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, Tuberculosis and other infectious diseases.

Will methadone be the only treatment service offered?

No. Although Man Alive is a medication-assisted treatment center, we recognize that other complex issues impact a person's addiction. Three decades of scientific research has led to some fundamental beliefs about the characteristics of "Best Treatment Practices." The Center ascribes to these principles. Recovery from drug addiction can be a long-term process and retention in treatment is one of the significant factors for achieving recovery. Thus, the staff incorporates individualized treatment strategies to engage and keep patients in treatment.

Why can't drug addicts stop using on their own?

I didn't have control of my life. . . a phrase so often heard form individuals suffering from addiction. Many individuals try to stop using on their own but the majority return to drug use. Research has shown that long-term drug use results in significant changes in the brain functions that continue long after the individual has stopped using drugs. Individuals are educated about this important biological component This Awareness begins the process of recovery. It is the first step in addressing the false stigmatization of drug addicts. . . as immoral and weak individuals who lack the strength and will power to stop using drugs.

Isn't methadone just a substitute for heroin?

No. The platform of Dr. Alan Leshner, Director of National Institute of Drug and Addiction (NIDA), has always been that Addiction is a Brain Disease. Methadone acts as an endorphin replacement therapy which occupies the opiate receptors in the brain which impacts upon the physical and emotional comfort of the addicted individual. Just as a diabetic individual needs insulin for normal functioning, an opiate individual needs methadone for normal functioning.

Will I ever be cured of my addiction?

No. Addiction is a chronic disease, a disease that's never really "cured". Our goal is to empower the individuals to understand the disease process of addiction and provide an environment in which healing can begin. The Center's philosophy embraces a holistic approach to addiction and employs professionals who recognize the uniqueness and strengths of the addicted individuals.

How does a person get admitted?

Intake calls are accepted daily, Monday through Friday, from 10am-12noon @ 410-837-4292. All individuals are screened for appropriateness of treatment and admittance into treatment is determined by the availability of treatment slots.

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