Substance Abuse

If you have a substance abuse problem and you have ever tried to quit “cold turkey,” you know how difficult it can be. Most people who abuse drugs or alcohol need ongoing medical treatment and support to overcome their dependence. At Total Family Healthcare & Wellness Centers in Clermont and Orlando, Florida, Dr. Cara Jakob and Dr. Christine Murphy provide physician-supervised detoxification and relapse prevention from alcohol and opioids (narcotics such as painkillers or heroin) in the privacy of their office.

Opioid Dependence

One of the most common drug addictions is among those who take prescription painkillers such as Vicodin® (hydrocodone), Percocet® (oxycodone) and Oxycontin® (oxycodone). This type of dependency is a vicious cycle, as patients take these narcotics to relieve their pain, when they actually contribute to the pain instead. Dr. Jakob and Dr. Murphy can help you overcome your addiction to pain pills and manage your pain without drugs that lead to chemical dependency.

Medication-Assisted Therapy with Suboxone®

Dr. Jakob and Dr. Murphy are certified to treat narcotic drug addictions with Suboxone® (buprenorphine and naloxone) Film. This medication-assisted therapy reduces the use of opioids by managing withdrawal symptoms and reducing drug cravings. Suboxone Film can also be used at home, so you can take each dose at a time that is convenient for you and continue with your daily activities. Suboxone Film is a small orange rectangle of film you take once a day by placing under your tongue and allowing it to dissolve. As it dissolves, the medication is absorbed into the bloodstream through blood vessels under the tongue.

Alcohol Dependence

Alcoholism is a serious problem in today's society. Nearly 17.6 million adults in the U.S. are alcoholics or have alcohol problems. According to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, alcoholism and alcohol abuse in the U.S. cost society $40 to $60 billion annually as a result of work days missed, health care costs, motor vehicle accidents, violent crime and social programs that respond to alcohol problems.

Medication-Assisted Therapy with Vivitrol®

Dr. Jakob and Dr. Murphy are also certified to treat alcohol dependency with Vivitrol® (naltrexone). This medication-assisted therapy reduces the use of alcohol by managing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings. Vivitrol can also help prevent relapse in those who were once addicted to prescription or illicit opioids such as painkillers or heroin. Vivitrol is injected once a month, rather than taken daily by mouth, so it's easier to stick to.

The Importance of Counseling

Medication-assisted therapy such as Suboxone or Vivitrol should always be combined with counseling by a licensed provider, such as a psychotherapist. Counseling can help you learn how to recognize events that trigger the use of alcohol and drugs and gain skills to help you manage those triggers that stimulate cravings. You may also learn ways to cope with events or social situations associated with past drug use.

A psychotherapist can also identify and treat underlying psychiatric issues that may be contributing to your addiction cycle, such as bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit disorder, social phobia, depression and insomnia. The ultimate goal of counseling is to help minimize the risk of relapse.

Are you ready to kick your drug or alcohol addiction? Whether you are addicted to alcohol, prescription narcotic medications or illicit opioids, Dr. Jakob and Dr.Murphy can help you detox safely and effectively. Make an appointment today at our Clermont or Orlando, Florida office. Call (352)394-4237 or request an appointment online.