Addiction
Dr. Larson found throughout his training in residency that those struggling with mood often also have contributing substance use disorders. Substance use alters the brain’s chemistry and can significantly worsen one’s mood. Dr. Larson
wanted to learn how to best treat patients struggling with substance use after residency training and therefore completed an additional year fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry in Cleveland, Ohio. Overcoming substance use is never easy and often difficult to manage alone. The chances of making a full recovery are greatly enhanced, however, when someone decides to get help. “Help” can be in the form of being detoxed in an inpatient setting, medications to help deter substance use, residential treatment or “rehabs”, intensive outpatient programs, and/or group/individual therapy.
Medication-Assisted Treatment or “MAT” is the use of medications to help those with substance dependency, such as with opioids or alcohol. Examples include FDA-approved medications Suboxone, Sublocade, & Vivitrol. Dr. Larson specializes in helping patients with these types of medications that can help with the cravings to use substances and are therefore a deterrent to use. In most cases, they are taken on a daily basis for at least 6 months and occasionally for many years depending on the patient.
The patient is monitored on these medications to make sure the dosing is correct and to also maximize the chances of staying in recovery. Sometimes this is all a patient needs to overcome their dependency to a substance, but the chances of staying in recovery are much higher when combined with a substance use program. Dr. Larson can assist those that need additional help by finding the right program in the area approved by their insurance. Occasionally, someone has a severe dependency to a substance that would be best treated with an inpatient detox program to avoid severe and often life-threatening withdrawals. If necessary, Dr. Larson can also help find a detox facility approved by their insurance.
Want to make an Appointment?
Getting help starts with a full confidential evaluation and, together with the patient, formulating a treatment plan. If you or anyone you know struggles with substance use and needs help, please call us if you have any questions about the addiction services we offer. To set an appointment, please call us or fill out the form below and we will get back to you by the end of the next business day. Once your information is gathered, we will assist in scheduling an appointment for you and email you a link to our confidential patient portal with all the required forms you need to fill out. You will receive automatic reminders 72 hours and 24 hours prior to your appointment. Appointments are also available virtually online. Contact us for details.
