Now there’s medically-assisted treatment in a private doctor’s office for drug or alcohol dependency. Stephen M. Silverman, M.D., board certified in addiction medicine, is an expert at helping people rid themselves of destructive addictions and dependencies without experiencing the unpleasant side-effects of withdrawal. People may have become accidentally addicted to prescription pain medications, which were prescribed by their doctors for medical conditions. Others have entered into addiction through so-called “recreational use”.
In a non-judgmental atmosphere, you will be able to escape the tyranny of substance-abuse through medication-assisted treatment, that will eliminate discomfort and cravings. Gradually, the medication assistance will be reduced over time allowing you to break the painful cycle of addiction.
Medication assistance treatment for the major addictions—opiates, alcohol, nicotine, and benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, etc.), when combined with individual counseling, gives the best opportunity for the motivated patient to succeed in his recovery.
Medication assisted withdrawal (ambulatory detox) may be useful for some people, to ease the transition from an abused substance to one that will keep them safe from relapsing. For instance, transitioning from an opiate to the opiate blocker and relapse prevention medication, Vivitrol, requires seven to ten days of abstinence. During that waiting period symptoms of withdrawal can be eased or eliminated by other benign medications.
Referral to intensive out-patient counseling may be part of an overall treatment plan, especially for relapse prevention.
Individualized Addiction Counseling
Each patient visit with Dr. Silverman includes 15-20 minute counseling session, at which time there will be a thorough review of lab test results, medication adjustments and discussion of any mental health or life-style problems. Referrals to specialists could be made at this time.
Relapse Prevention
During regular office visits relapse prevention will be discussed: how to cope with the stresses of life, how to recognize triggers that promote the use of addictive substances, and how to walk away from situations which re-introduce the person to alchohol or drugs.[…MORE]
Treatment of Co-occurring Psychiatric Disorders
Mental health usually improves once drug issues are resolved. Underlying, primary mental health issues that preceded substance abuse may need to be addressed at some point. This may also be possible at the addiction treatment center.
