Opiate Management and Addiction Medicine Specialist

New York Pain Medicine

Pain and Sports Management Physicians & Physical Therapy located in Midtown East, New York, NY

Prescription and narcotic opioid use in the United States have increased at an alarming rate in the last two decades. Rates of opioid addiction have risen right along with them, leading to the necessity for opiate addiction treatment programs and more effective pain management. As a certified buprenorphine provider and interventional pain physician, Dr. Douglas Allen provides both at New York Pain Medicine. If you’ve developed an opiate dependence, contact the Midtown East, New York facility online or over the phone to get help weaning off opiates and finding proper pain relief.

Opiate Management and Addiction Medicine Q & A

 

How do opiates cause addiction?

Opiates are derived from the poppy seed, and they come in many recognizable forms:

  • Codeine
  • Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
  • Oxycodone
  • Methadone
  • Morphine
  • Heroin

Opiates intercept pain messages in the body and cause a dopamine release, making you feel good. In high doses, opiates create a euphoric rush followed by a heightened state of relaxation.
After a while, your body becomes dependent on these medications, and it’s then difficult to stop taking them.

What are the dangers of opiate addiction?

Opiate misuse can lead to many potentially dangerous side effects and cause strain in your personal and professional life. The medical side effects of opiate addiction include:

  • Opiate dependence
  • Sedation and drowsiness, which affects normal functioning
  • Severe impairment when driving
  • Liver damage
  • Brain damage
  • Heart damage
  • Overdose
  • Death

How does opiate intervention work?

Dr. Allen provides a thorough examination of your opiate use and your underlying medical conditions. He has a lengthy conversation with you explaining the treatment and his expectations.
Then, he creates a multimodal treatment plan for detoxification. He meets with you monthly to monitor your progress and make adjustments.
He also creates a contract for the both of you to sign stating the conditions of your treatment, and he uses regular urine testing to ensure you’re following it. If you violate the contract, he immediately discharges you.

What treatments do you use for opiate detoxification?

Dr. Allen uses various therapies to help guide successful opiate detoxification, including medication weaning, buprenorphine, mental health services, pain management, and alternative therapies.
Buprenorphine (Suboxone) therapy is one of the most effective treatments for opiate withdrawal. It disables the opiate-induced euphoria and allows you to withdraw from opiates at home by reducing the miserable side effects.
You also participate in a prescription weaning program while on buprenorphine. Dr. Allen may bring you down to a lower dose of opiates or wean you off completely.
While in therapy, Dr. Allen employs the mental health services of the clinic’s psychiatrist. The psychiatrist helps support your efforts by identifying and addressing the behaviors, rituals, and thoughts that stand in your way.
If pain led you to your opiate use, Dr. Allen helps you find relief with a new, healthier pain management plan. He uses physical therapy, acupuncture, and other alternative therapies to supplement the plan.
If you have an opiate problem, reach out to Dr. Allen for assistance by calling or using the online scheduling system.