Brian K. Adler, MD FACP, is a Board Certified Addiction Specialist with specialized training in prescribing Suboxone for opiate dependency.
Opioid dependence–addiction to prescription painkillers or heroin–is a chronic, or long-term, medical condition. Because of the ways it affects the brain, opioid dependence isn’t something many people can overcome on their own. Fortunately, there are proven medical treatments that, along with counseling and behavioral therapy, have helped millions of people regain control over their lives.
Listen to Brian K. Adler, MD FACP talk about addiction live on the radio!
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I am using narcotics and I want to stop…
- If you are currently using narcotic drugs it is important that you stop using at least 24 hours or more before coming to our treatment program. Suboxone works most effectively if you are in moderate withdrawal at the time you receive your first dose of Suboxone. You should be coming into the office with mild symptoms of chills, muscle and bone aches, upset stomach, yawning, and irritability.Because of the unique properties of Suboxone and its ability to block opiate receptors in the brain, Suboxone can cause a sudden and severe withdrawal reaction if you are not initially in partial withdrawal.
On your first visit, you will have a medical evaluation with our treatment team and then you will receive a prescription for Suboxone. You will then need to travel to a nearby pharmacy to get the prescription filled and immediately return to the office to begin treatment.
You will be given an initial test dose to be sure that you do not have a severe withdrawal reaction, then a second dose 30 minutes later. You may receive two or three more doses before going home. You will be given instructions on how to use Suboxone at home and given a return appointment, usually the following day, so that you can be re-evaluated.
Most patients will come in for evaluation for two consecutive days then be rescheduled to return the following week. If you continue on Suboxone you will eventually come in once a month for evaluation and renewal of your prescription.
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I am currently on Suboxone and want to enter your program…
- If you are currently taking Suboxone from another doctor, or you are taking it off the street, please continue taking it until the time of your appointment. It is helpful to bring a copy of your medical records at the time of your first visit.
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I am currently on Methadone and want to switch to Suboxone…
- Methadone is a very difficult drug to transition over to Suboxone. Methadone has a very long half-life and remains in your system for many days. In order to safely convert to Suboxone, you must first gradually wean down to 40 mg a day and then be completely off of Methadone for at least 72 hours or until you are in moderate withdrawal. Severe withdrawal reactions will occur when giving Suboxone too early if you are taking Methadone.
About Our Program
The South Strand Internists & Urgent Care treatment team is committed to helping you successfully detox from opiate drugs and assist you in achieving long-term sobriety from all drugs of chemical dependency.
Our program will guide you through a step-wise approach of medical detox along with assistance and direction towards making meaningful life change. While not a cure, Suboxone is the first step in helping you start long-term recovery.
Over the course of weeks or sometimes months, we will assist you in eventually weaning off Suboxone and help you to maintain sobriety. Some people do benefit from long-term, low dose Suboxone treatment, but this is more of the exception than the rule.
Like every aspect of our healthcare service, Dr. Adler establishes a relationship with patients in this program and treats the whole person on their path to wellness. It is important that all aspects of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual condition be addressed for the best chance for success. We use many resources to help you stay sober and most importantly, grow in the recovery process. Dr. Adler may recommend counseling, 12-step programs, or other outpatient programs to assist in your recovery. He is committed to helping each and every patient in the program reach their goals.
Our success rate over the past six years is excellent. Through this program lives have been saved, careers and families rebuilt, and what feels like miracles have occurred for countless patients who are committed to getting well and working this program of recovery.