SOUTH BEND, Ind.- The Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend has launched a new outpatient drug and alcohol treatment program within South Bend.

The program is currently only open in South Bend and is taking referrals from:

• Healthcare professionals
• Courts
• Attorneys
• Self-referrals

“Addiction is a common companion to mental illness, and it affects people of all ages and backgrounds with devastating results,” says Chris Nowak, Catholic Charities Clinical Director and certified addictions therapist. “It has the power to destroy health, relationships, and livelihoods. And people in our diocese are suffering from addiction to drugs and alcohol in record numbers.”

Currently, the program is only treating alcohol and drug addictions and will not address others such as gambling.

The program is abstinence-based which means clients must separate themselves completely from what they’re addicted to.

Those in the program are also encouraged to participate in other support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous.

“Support groups are critical to long term success,” says Nowak. “So, we strongly encourage clients to find one and stick with it.”

Outpatient services are by appointment only and are conducted at the Catholic Charities office in South Bend.

The office is located at 1817 Miami Street.

For more information, call (574) 234-3111 or email Chris Nowak at [email protected].