the positive:
-the clinic is clean, well-run, and efficient
-very rarely do I ever wait more than a few minutes to dose.
-staff are generally helpful and respectful. I'd say nursing staff is especially pleasant and kind.
-location is safe, nice, and easy to get to with plentiful parking
-its not corporate
the negative:
-THE HOURS. worst hours of any clinic ive ever attended. especially on the weekends--9 AM close?? come on. isnt the point to HELP patients and reduce as much as possible any obstacles or potential inconveniences so that they STAY in treatment?
-a lack of staff members/counselors who are also in recovery and can relate to and understand clients differently. im not saying personal addiction/recovery experience is a prerequisite for all counselors, but it's hard to really know addiction unless you've been there. unfortunately many medical professionals/counselors/etc. stigmatize addicts and dont realize it. its not malicious or purposeful--its just so ingrained in society its hard to recognize. the ability to connect and confide and open up to someone who knows firsthand what it is like makes a big difference.
- generally punitive vibe of the program, rules, requirements, etc.-- bureaucratic control trumps treatment actually based on harm reduction. most if not all of this is due to mandatory outdated policies and regulations required by the state of Wisconsin, but A.S.A.P. definitely isnt trying to push for reform and change--its quite the opposite, in my opinion.
policy makers AND treatment programs have the responsibility to put patients first WITHOUT the outdated policies and ridiculous obstacles based on stigma.
so yeah. not the best, but not the worst.