Addiction Treatment Specialist

Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa Richard A Smith, DO Our Services Addiction Treatment

Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa

Richard A Smith, DO

Psychiatry located in Tampa, FL

Opioid addiction is common, as nearly 30% of patients prescribed opioids for pain relief may misuse these addictive medicines. If you struggle with opioid dependence, psychiatrist Richard Smith, DO, offers solutions at Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa in Tampa, Florida. He uses Suboxone® to reduce withdrawal symptoms and opioid cravings. Schedule an appointment with Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa over the phone or online to learn more about addiction treatment.

Addiction Treatment Q&A

What is addiction treatment?

Addiction treatment at Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa helps you break an addiction, especially opioid addiction. Opioids are prescription medications you might have taken to relieve chronic pain associated with an injury, surgery, or disease.

Treatment with a specialist at Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa helps you break addictions without unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

What are the signs of addiction?

If you experience the following signs or symptoms, you may suffer from an addiction.

  • Not being able to stop taking opioids or another substance
  • Inability to stop doing a harmful activity
  • Drowsiness or sleeping more than usual
  • Nausea, vomiting, or constipation
  • Slowed breathing rates
  • Agitation, irritability, or mood swings
  • Poor decision-making skills
  • Slurred speech
  • Irresponsible decisions
  • Feeling high
  • Depression, anxiety, or low motivation

If you stop taking opioids, or another substance, when you have an addiction, you might experience withdrawal symptoms like chills, sweating, nausea, shaking, diarrhea, fatigue, insomnia, and depression. Long-term opioid use can cause organ damage and other health issues.

How are addictions diagnosed?

To diagnose opioid or other addictions, your provider reviews your symptoms and medical history. They complete a physical exam and might test you for mental health disorders. If you’re unable to stop taking opioids or other substances, you may suffer from addiction.

What is addiction treatment?

Your Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa specialist personalizes evidence-based addiction treatments based on your unique needs. They might recommend:

Suboxone

A medication called Suboxone can relieve withdrawal symptoms and reduce your cravings for opioids, without the “high” feeling associated with opioids. Make sure to tell your doctor about other medications you’re taking prior to Suboxone treatment, and take the medication as prescribed.

Other medications

Oral medicines or FDA-approved Spravato™ nasal spray helps treat mental health disorders that might accompany addiction, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

TMS

If you experience depression along with addiction, your doctor might suggest transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The treatment is noninvasive and stimulates nerve cells in your brain responsible for mood control.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, helps you learn coping strategies to manage depression, anxiety, other mental health disorders, and addiction. Your Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa psychiatrist might recommend one-on-one counseling, family counseling, support groups, or cognitive therapy.

Don’t let opioids or other addictions lead to physical and mental health issues. Schedule addiction treatment with Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa over the phone or online today.

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