Opioid Addiction Treatment Specialist

Marc H. Epstein, DO

Adult Psychiatrist & Addiction Specialist located in Greenwich Village, New York, NY

In recent years in the United States, opioid addiction has reached alarming levels, becoming a national crisis that takes 115 lives every day. Because opioid abuse is life-threatening, seeking the help of an addiction psychiatrist is paramount in avoiding becoming one of these awful statistics. Marc H. Epstein, DO, helps his Greenwich Village, New York City patients break the bonds of addiction once and for all. To learn more about opioid addiction treatment, including suboxone, call 347-244-7693 to schedule an appointment.

Opioid Addiction Treatment Q & A

What are opioids?

Opioids are a class of narcotics that are typically used for pain relief. In fact, most people come to opioid addiction through prescribed painkillers, such as:

  • Oxycodone
  • Hydrocodone
  • Codeine
  • Morphine

Once the prescription for these medications runs out, some people are left with an addiction that forces them to turn to illegal drugs, such as heroin and fentanyl.

What constitutes an opioid addiction?

Opioid abuse has two distinct components:

Addiction

After prolonged use or misuse, your brain’s opioid receptors are rewired, leading you to crave more of the substance. In this regard, addiction is a disease of the brain. With the rewiring, it gradually takes more of the opioid to have the same effect and your brain’s wiring overrides most everything else in its desire for more.

Dependency

This aspect of the substance use disorder encompasses the physical side of the problem. Dependency to opioids means that your body goes into withdrawal when they’re taken away.

What are the symptoms of opioid addiction?

There’s no blanket answer to this question since people misuse opioids in different ways. There are, however, common warning signs that you may have a problem with opioid use, such as:

  • Uncontrollable cravings
  • Increasing use
  • The inability to stop using
  • Increasing isolation in order to use

One of the biggest warning signs is if you feel withdrawal symptoms when opioids aren’t available, such as pain, gastric upset, insomnia, irritability, or sweating.

How is opioid addiction treated?

One of the biggest obstacles to treating opioid addiction and dependency are the withdrawal symptoms. Opioid withdrawal is far from pleasant, which is why many people return to using over and over again, despite their desire to quit.

For this reason, Dr. Epstein offers medications that help you taper, and end, your use without negotiating the bumpy road of withdrawal, namely Suboxone. This medication delivers small amounts of the opioid for physical dependence, while also preventing you from getting “high” at the same time.

Dr. Epstein also offers Vivitrol®, a monthly injection that blocks the opioid receptors in your brain, which helps cut down on cravings.

In addition to these medications, Dr. Epstein works with you using various therapies that help with your emotions and behaviors during this difficult time. The end result is worth it as you free yourself from the prison of opioid addiction and Dr. Epstein is with you every step of the way.

If you suspect that you or a loved one has a problem with opioid use, get help sooner rather than later. Call Marc H. Epstein, DO, at 347-244-7693.
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