Substance Abuse Counseling Arizona

Helping someone receive treatment that he or she needs to beat an addiction is easier said than done. People may have a multitude of questions about the specific substance the individual is abusing, the detox experience, the steps for treatment, or the aftermath of treatment. Below are answers to some questions that you may have, regardless to your position in a situation with substance abuse.

Substance Abuse Counseling Arizona: Addiction is a learned behavior that changes the brain to become conditioned to continually want the substance. Through counseling and other behavior health modifications it has been known that the brain can actually change physically. By changing our environment, starting a new job, new hobbies and friends, all will alter our brain in some way. It is possible to undo some of the changes that occurred while addicted. Therapy will recondition the brain closer to pre-addiction status. This will better prepare the patient for a time when they may no longer require medication. Addictions Opiate Addiction Alcohol Addiction Heroin Addiction Cocaine Addiction Marijuana Addiction Prescription Drug Addiction At Direct2Recovery our mission is to passionately help as many patients as we can to overcome their addiction and begin to live life at its fullest once again. We strive to make every patient that walks into our office feel comfortable and genuinely welcome. Prior to starting his Direct2Recovery practice, Dr. Flatley was an emergency room doctor for eighteen years. While seeing the opioid epidemic at its worst, Dr. Flatley treated patients daily in the ER that were seeking help for withdrawal symptoms, enduring drug overdoses, and all to often he saw lives lost to this addiction. At Direct2Recovery we use a medication assisted option of Buprenophine/Naltrexone (Suboxone) to treat opioid addiction. We will also express the importance of addiction counseling therapy and recommend this to be part of every patients treatment.
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What are Direct2Recoveries treatment strategies?

Direct2Recovery uses the most well-recognized and time-tested methods for treatment. It combines a variety of approaches to help you into recovery: medical care from a certified provider, psychological consultation, use of approved medications, peer support, 12 step facilitation and family counseling. It is only common sense that the more an individual takes advantage of these opportunities, the more they are likely to succeed. Thus, patients who complete treatment have a higher success rate than those who do not.

How is treatment paid for?

Provider Fees:

Our practice is not contracted with any insurance provider. Payments will be expected at the time of service. We at Direct2Recovery strive to make care affordable and accessible to all. You may be able to submit your treatment receipts to insurance for partial out-of-network reimbursement. If you plan to do this, please contact your insurance company first to find out how much they will reimburse you and whether this will work for you.

Laboratory Fees:

Patients can anticipate that a urine drug screen will be preformed during each of their clinic visits. In most cases our insurance will cover these expenses. We do not expect you to have any additional out-of-pocket expense for this service.

Medication Fees:

Most insurances provide coverage for the medications being prescribed at Direct2Recovery. For patients that must pay for the medications out-of-pocket, there are different strategies and medications that can be used to make this affordable.

What medications are used in the treatment of opiate addiction?

Because of the severe level of addiction caused by opiates, medication assisted treatment is often required. At Direct2Recovery a variety of medication treatment options are available. A majority of patients are initially started on Buprenorphine/Naltrexone, also commonly known as Suboxone or Zubsolv.

Buprenorphine is a medication with partial opiate effects, designed to assist people who have made the decision to stop using opiates, or to switch from methadone maintenance. It works by helping to prevent the withdrawal and craving experiences that often lead to relapse, without providing a “high” that reinforces use. It is much safer than continued use of opiate drugs and can assist a person in regaining normal functioning.

Buprenorphine is also safer than Methadone, LLAM, and other earlier maintenance treatments. Suboxone, the commercial version of the medication , also contains a small amount of naltrexone, an opiate “antidote”. Buprenorphine may be used as a stepping-stone to become free of opiate use altogether, or may be used as an indefinite ” maintenance ” therapy. The decision will be addressed with each client as treatment progresses. In general, tapering to a very low dose or complete discontinuation will be the goal of treatment.

How long does treatment last?

Length of treatment is variable and is different for every patient. In general, we like to see patients in recovery for at least six months prior to discussing tapering off their medications. Because of the high percentages of relapse in opiate addiction, many patients continue treatment long-term.

Do I have to complete treatment?

Completion of treatment is specific to the individual. As mentioned previously we would like to see patients in treatment for a least six months prior to considering tapering off their medications. Although we encourage ongoing treatment, there is no continuing obligation and patients may elect to discontinue treatment at any time.

Will my employer/family/ friends be notified of my treatment?

All patient records are completely confidential and will only be shared upon patient request along with a signed HIPPA consent form.

Mood altering substances that I have not been abusing?

Benzodiazepines are frequently used along with opiates and addictions. Unfortunately combined benzodiazepine use along with medication assisted opiate treatment is a dangerous combination and can be life-threatening. As a result, our goal is complete cessation of benzodiazepine use if a patient will be continued on Buprenorphine.

Marijuana use is commonly found in opiate addiction as well. While Direct2Recovery’s goal is treatment of all addiction, marijuana is now commonly being used as a treatment option. If you intend to continue to use marijuana, patients must provide proof of a valid medical marijuana card ( not dispensed by Direct2Recovery).

FAQs