Sierra Tribal Consortium, Turtle Lodge

The Sierra Tribal Consortium espouses the position of the Disease Concept of alcoholism, chemical dependency and drug addiction. They are treatable illnesses which can be arrested. A primary and most appropriate objective of treatment is abstinence for the client/patient who is diagnosed with alcohol and/or drug dependence. This position recognizes that some patients may require prescribed medication to address medical and/or psychiatric conditions. The use of prescribed or "over the counter" medications by a chemical dependent person should be carefully monitored and followed by a knowledgeable health provider. The Sierra Tribal Consortium recognizes that alcoholism and other drug addictions affect not only the chemically dependent individual, but that it also causes great damage to the family and loved ones of the chemically dependent. The Sierra Tribal Consortium offers services to the entire family because of our belief in the Disease Concept and how it affects the family system.