This month, we’re excited to highlight some of our incredible team members saving lives daily at Gaudenzia’s Crownsville Campus, which provides a full continuum of addiction treatment in Anne Arundel County, MD.
If you or someone you love needs Crownsville addiction treatment, please call our 24-hour HelpLine at 833.976.HELP (4357) or email [email protected]
A Q&A with Darlene Brashears
Today we turn the spotlight on Darlene Brashears, who has been with Gaudenzia for 11 years and currently serves as the Program Director at our Crownsville location. We spoke with Darlene about the trials and triumphs of her career at Gaudenzia.
What Made You Want to Work at Gaudenzia?
I’ve worked in different modalities of treatment, from residential with adolescents to a community-based methadone MAT program. I just always wanted to see what residential was like. It’s a whole different beast. You spend the most time with clients. You get the opportunity to see them grow. Most of our clients that are successful stay in touch with us. That’s the reward.
What Keeps You Coming Back to Work Every Day?
I came from the criminal justice system as an officer, then my career ended based on my substance use. So, for me to be relatable and know that people do change, that it’s just a temporary problem if you want to do something about it, it gives me the ability to give back what was given to me.
What’s the Best Part About Your Team?
They are so diverse. We have established history. A lot of us came from the criminal justice system, working together. Gaudenzia also gives clients the opportunity to come back and become employees, so that’s the rewarding part. They want to come back based on the interactions they’ve had with staff. It’s great to help them in their personal development. It’s just rewarding to watch.
Why is This Program Important in This Community?
I’m from Anne Arundel County, and with the increase in opiates, the times are evolving. It’s just so prevalent. One time, it was just in the lower income areas, but so many people are being affected by it now. This is the best site. It’s away from everything, so it gives you more time to focus on yourself without all the triggers.
What Services Do People Most Commonly Need When They Leave?
People need to have resources for mental health services. Insurance, which we make sure our clients get when they first come in. Stable housing, aftercare, employment, and if they choose to utilize Medication-Assisted Treatment, the option to continue their treatment. Transportation is a big one too. People just need the resources.
About Gaudenzia’s Crownsville Campus
Gaudenzia’s Crownsville Campus provides a full continuum of substance use disorder treatment services, including a 24/7/365 walk-in crisis stabilization unit, MAT services, mental health treatment, residential detox for men and women, and long-term residential treatment for men. A comprehensive team of addiction counselors, therapists, recovery peers, and 24-hour medical staffing ensures that all clients are treated individually and holistically based on their unique clinical treatment needs.
If you or someone you love needs Crownsville addiction treatment, please call our 24-hour HelpLine at 833.976.HELP (4357) today or email [email protected]
