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Suggest Treatment For Severe Anxiety And Insomnia

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Posted on Fri, 29 Jul 2016
Question: Hi. i am a recovering alcoholic and opiate addict. I have been clean since January, but did not come easy. after I detoxed at XXXXXXX point in XXXXXXX AR, I left with a few prescriptions and a new diagnosis - level 5 opioid dependent. which I was urged to try a suboxone program. I found an excellent clinic which included maintenance medication, one on one therapy anytime i need, and group therapy as well. it has worked wonders for my addiction to opiates. I dont crave them anymore. what i do still struggle with is general anxiety, back spasms/pain, and insomnia. the problem i am having is finding a doctor or psychiatrist that will treat me for ALL of my conditions. It has proven difficult (apart from the Docs at XXXXXXX point) to get treated for my add, anxiety w muscle spasms, insomnia, and still be understanding of how well i am doing on this suboxone. Because I have been honest and told them that I am a addict in recovery, haven't found a doctor (besides inpatient w Dr. Patrash) that will help me treat everything all together.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

First, congratulations for overcoming your addiction. This is an enormous step in your recovery and you should feel very proud.

It can be difficult to find one psychiatrist to cover all the bases. Addiction is usually treated separately by a specialist in the area. It is okay to split treatment this way, as it is pretty common and usually works out well. When speaking to a new potential psychiatrist, I would continue to be up front that you are in addiction treatment, but I would emphasize that you are currently abstinent from substances and you are doing well in that regard. That will increase you chance of being accepted as a patient.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (3 hours later)
Thank you so much for answering back. I really needed some professional insight and I am thankful for your advice. Its gould to know that I can do these things separately. And I will definitely try that.
My only concern is almost every time I mention that im in recovery and doing well with the program, some doctors absolutely shut down the idea of prescribing me add and anxiety and sleep meds. Even though I have been on these medications (adderall 30mg, clonazepam 1-2mg or substitute)
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (22 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Adderall and clonazepam are addictive medications. Given your history, it would likely be better to explore other options. There are other effective medications that are less addictive.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Anxiety And Insomnia

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello, and thanks for your question. First, congratulations for overcoming your addiction. This is an enormous step in your recovery and you should feel very proud. It can be difficult to find one psychiatrist to cover all the bases. Addiction is usually treated separately by a specialist in the area. It is okay to split treatment this way, as it is pretty common and usually works out well. When speaking to a new potential psychiatrist, I would continue to be up front that you are in addiction treatment, but I would emphasize that you are currently abstinent from substances and you are doing well in that regard. That will increase you chance of being accepted as a patient. Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied. In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers