Chester River Behavioral

Certified Addictions Counselor - Alcohol and Drug

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Andrew Pons has been in the helping profession since 1994. He was initially licensed as a Substance Use Disorder therapist before becoming an Alcohol and Drug Supervisor and Program Administrator in 2000. The services he provided in a residential setting include work at Father Martin’s Ashley, Phoenix Recovery Center and the A. F. Whitsitt Center. Direct care, as well as clinical supervision, in an outpatient setting include work at Harford County Behavioral Health and Kent County Behavioral Health before retirement from the State of Maryland. Most recently, he was employed as a Substance Use Disorder therapist at Eastern Shore Psychological Services. Mr. Pons has worked closely with
various agencies in the criminal justice system including the courts, defense and prosecuting attorneys, Parole and Probation and local detention centers.

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Philosophy of Care

Mr. Pons primary focus is working with people who have a Substance Use Disorder (SUD). He views SUD as a physical disease with physical, psychological and social symptoms that is progressive and can be terminal if left untreated. Therefore, it is “a sick person trying to get better” rather than “a bad person trying to be good”. Professional intervention and treatment can facilitate the healing process and foster hope. Education regarding the disease model of SUD can help a person with self-diagnosis. Individualized treatment planning and working with a person to establish and attain goals can help counter the negative impact of a substance use disorder and put people in a position to succeed.