HealthFirst
Jonathan W. Singer, DO
Functional & Alternative Medicine located in Greenwood Village, CO & Cheyenne, WY
It doesn’t matter how your addiction began. Once a dependency develops, changes have occurred in your brain that make it impossible to break the addiction without medical care. Our physicians at HealthFirst specialize in treating addictions, providing SuboxoneⓇ therapy and other safe, natural methods to help people struggling with opioids, alcohol, benzos, and other drugs. When you need help, the team at HealthFirst is available for a same-day appointment. Call one of the offices in Greenwood Village, Colorado, and Cheyenne, Wyoming, to get support for your recovery.
Suboxone and Addictionology Q & A
What is addictionology?
Addictionology refers to managing alcohol and drug dependencies by treating all the aspects of addiction.
As a specialist in addictionology, Dr. Singer recognizes that people who are dependent on drugs or alcohol need medical treatment for their physical needs, as well as psychological and social support.
What leads to an alcohol or drug addiction?
When you drink alcoholic beverages or take drugs such as opioids, they stimulate your brain’s reward system, boosting levels of a neurotransmitter called dopamine and triggering a massive release of endorphins.
These biochemicals cause a burst of pleasant feelings and a range of changes, from improving your mood or self-confidence to lowering your inhibitions.
As you continue to use the substance, however, your brain starts to go through physical changes. As a result, the brain needs higher levels of dopamine. This creates strong cravings that you can’t resist, so you continue using your preferred substance, and addiction develops.
Addiction is a progressive disease. Your brain continuously develops tolerance to your current intake, and then you need to consume more to achieve the same effect.
The same change in brain chemistry occurs with any type of addiction. You may develop a substance use disorder whether you use alcohol, tobacco, opioids, prescription drugs, cocaine, cannabis, amphetamines, hallucinogens, or inhalants.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone contains two medications, naloxone and buprenorphine, that are used to treat dependence on opioids, such as heroin and prescription painkillers.
Buprenorphine stops opioid cravings and reduces withdrawal symptoms, while naloxone blocks the effects of opioids. This combination of medications makes it possible to stop taking the drugs without physical suffering.
What happens during Suboxone treatment?
Suboxone therapy is performed in the office following a gradual process that begins when you’re in a moderate state of withdrawal.
Dr. Singer closely monitors your care and explains each step of the process. He determines when you should take your first dose of Suboxone and also guides you in how to stop taking opioids after your Suboxone therapy begins.
You’ll continue taking Suboxone after your withdrawal symptoms and cravings stop. At this stage, it’s important to begin counseling.
The dual approach to counseling with medication leads to better results. The medication helps normalize your brain chemistry, while counseling gives you the tools you need to resist opioids in the long run.
You’ll receive ongoing support from Dr. Singer throughout your therapy. When he determines you’re ready to stop taking Suboxone, your dose is gradually reduced, allowing your body to adjust to the change.
If you experience anxiety or depression during or after your Suboxone, Dr. Singer may recommend IASIS Micro Current Neurofeedback, a treatment that rebalances your brainwave patterns and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression.
The team at HealthFirst offers same-day appointments for people who need help now. Call the office to schedule a time to start your recovery.
