Pacific Coast Recovery Center Chosen for Visit by International Physicians and Clinicians

South Coast Medical Center’s Pacific Coast Recovery Center (PCRC) was selected for a visit by international doctors because of the group’s recognition of the center as one of the top three Chemical Dependency Rehab units in the United States.  On September 20, a group of visiting chemical dependency physicians and facilitators from around the world, including Tsukasa Mizusawa, Director and Founder of A.S.K. Human Care, an addiction assistance program in Japan, as well as International Addiction consultant David Romo, spent the day at South Coast Medical Center for an all-day seminar and tour. Only two other programs in the United States were chosen for this honor: The Clare Foundation in Santa Monica and the world-renowned Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage.

“We were fortunate to have been chosen as the centerpiece of their United States visit,” said Lorrie Linn Odell, Addiction Counselor at the PCRC. “This was the eighth consecutive year the A.S.K. Program has chosen South Coast Medical Center’s program.”

Mizusawa and Romo were particularly impressed with the cutting edge techniques of the program.  PCRC’s Medical Director, Daniel Headrick, MD, opened the day with a presentation on the treatment of the chemically addicted, chronic-pain patient. In addition, a study group was constructed to illustrate PCRC’s process for treatment. This study group consisted of a psychiatrist, a pharmacist, an acupuncturist, several public health nurses (the equivalent of a registered nurse) a social worker, several counselors and a gentleman who is the father of a drug addicted daughter. Members of the PCRC’s staff, including Sherry Burditt, Michelle Metzler, Alanya Potapov, Robert Dues, Rene Genovese, Paulette Cullen, Lorrie Linn Odell, Michael Finch and Tom Offerdahl took part in this all-day study group.

The day closed with a graduation ceremony, during which participants exchanged photos, gifts and hugs. Known for being the “Hospital with a Heart,” South Coast Medical Center gave the guests handmade hearts by a local Laguna Beach artist. It was an unforgettable day for PCRC and their visitors and they look forward to another successful year.

PCRC is a center of excellence in the treatment for the chemically dependent adult, treating all substances of abuse, including the chemically dependent chronic pain patient. Located on the 4th floor of SCMC, a holistic approach is incorporated into a 12-step treatment philosophy that combines the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of each patient. The Center receives patients from throughout the country. They are offered inpatient medical detoxification, inpatient rehabilitation and a partial hospitalization program.  If you are in need of treatment from SCMC’s program, contact Lorrie Linn at (949) 499-7162.

Posted 10/1/07