Zumbro Valley Mental Health Center Pacing Recovery Effectively Program
(507) 289-2089
www.zumbromhc.org
343 Wood Lake Drive SE
Rochester MN 55904

Rehabilitation Services

Primary Focus: Mix of mental health and substance abuse services
Services Provided: Substance abuse treatment, Buprenorphine Services
Type of Care: Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups: Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, DUI/DWI offenders

Y chromosome

The Y chromosome is the sex-determining chromosome in most mammals, including humans. In mammals, it contains the gene SRY, which triggers testis development, thus determining sex. The human Y chromosome is composed of about 60 million base pairs. Most mammals have one pair of sex chromosomes in each cell (though the platypus has five pairs). Males have one Y chromosome and one X chromosome, while females have two X chromosomes. In mammals, the Y chromosome contains the gene that triggers embryonic development as a male. This gene is SRY. Normal sperm production needs other genes, in addition to SRY, on the Y chromosome.

Co-Occurring Drug Abuse and Mental Health

Offenders with co-occurring drug abuse and mental health problems often require an integrated treatment approach. High rates of mental health problems are present in offender populations and in those with substance abuse problems. Drug abuse treatment can sometimes address depression, anxiety and other mental health problems. Personality, cognitive and other serious mental disorders can be difficult to treat and may disrupt drug treatment. The presence of co-occurring disorders may require an integrated approach that combines drug abuse treatment with psychiatric treatment, including the use of medication. A physician should assess Individuals with either a substance abuse or mental health problem for the presence of the other.

Medications for Drug Abuse

Medications are important parts of treatment for many drug abusing offenders. For heroin addiction, medicines such as methadone and buprenorphine help normalize brain function and individuals who may benefit from them should take them. Effective use of medications can be instrumental in enabling people with co-occurring mental health problems to function successfully in society. Behavioral strategies can increase adherence to medication regimens.

Chronic Conditions Prevention

Treatment planning for drug abusing offenders who are living in or returning the community should include strategies to prevent and treat serious, chronic medical conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C and tuberculosis.
The rates of infectious diseases, such as hepatitis, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, are higher in drug abusers, incarcerated offenders and offenders under community supervision than in the general population. Infectious diseases affect not just the offender, but also the criminal justice system and the wider community. Consistent with federal and state laws, offenders who have abused drugs should be tested for infectious diseases and receive counseling on health practices and on ways to modify risky behaviors. Probation and parole officers who monitor offenders with serious medical conditions should link them with appropriate healthcare services, encourage compliance with medical treatment and re-establish eligibility of the offender for public health services like Medicaid.