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Addiction

Island Psychiatry offers psychiatric and therapeutic services to people who are struggling with substance use and addiction. Our Psychiatrist or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner will provide an initial evaluation followed by a treatment recommendation. In addition to therapy, our program supports intervention with Suboxone and Vivitrol.

Suboxone

Suboxone is the first drug available with a prescription from a doctor's office for use in the treatment of opioid dependence under the Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000. It can be dispensed for take-home use, just as any other medicine for other medical conditions. It is a narcotic drug with unique properties which can help treat people with opioid dependence more safely and effectively. We have received specialized training to prescribe Suboxone and have the required certification and facilities to evaluate and treat people with this medication. If you are struggling with opiate addiction we offer a private and comfortable setting to begin your journey towards a very different and brighter future. Click here for additional resources about Suboxone.  

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You must be in mild to moderate withdrawal from the narcotic you are using to begin the induction process. One of our Psychiatrists will conduct an examination including a psychiatric evaluation, assessment of degree of withdrawal, medical history and check of vital signs. You will then go to a local pharmacy with a prescription for Suboxone and obtain the medication. After returning to the office we will determine the correct dose of Suboxone and the doctor will administer the medication. You will have your own private room where you can watch movies or read while waiting to assess the effects of the Suboxone. Over the next 1-2 hours the doctor will personally monitor your progress and make sure the medication is working safely and is at the correct dose. Once stabilized (usally after 1-2 hours) you will leave the office with enough Suboxone to last until your next appointment, usually in 3-10 days.  

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The next phase after induction with Suboxone is stabilization. The dose is adjusted to make sure you are comfortable and to minimize cravings. This phase of treatment typically occurs for a week or two after induction. Next is the maintenance phase which can last for months or years depending on many factors. After maintenance, some people are able to gradually reduce and then stop Suboxone through the process of medically supervised withdrawal.  

  

Drug addiction has a high rate of recurrence and we are committed to doing everything possible to prevent relapse. Behavioral and psychological counseling is an essential part of the overall treatment process with Suboxone. The doctor will discuss with you the therapy options which are available and recommend the ones that best suit your needs. Many people with addictions have other psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, depression or attention deficit disorder. We will be able to help you with these associated conditions as well. 

Vivitrol

VIVITROL is used for both opioid (narcotic) addiction and alcohol abuse. "VIVITROL is the first and only non-addictive, once-monthly medication that, when combined with counseling, is proven to help prevent relapse to opioid dependence, after detox. VIVITROL blocks opioid receptors in the brain while you work with the psychological aspects of counseling." (https://www.vivitrol.com/)

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