Treatments
Our Treatments
Equinox Clinic is a medical practice that uses medications, such as Suboxone, Subutex, Sublocade, Naltrexone and Vivitrol, among others to treat the symptoms of substance abuse, such as withdrawal symptoms, and cravings, but our mandate doesn’t stop there. In fact, our program is based on what we refer as sustained sobriety.
Our recovery plans are individually based, and we respect that this is a personal relationship. To us, you are not a number, but a living, breathing human being that deserves the respect and compassion afforded to every other human being on the planet.
We use science-based protocols that have been proven effective in helping attain sobriety and then sustain recovery. We also understand that this is a collaborative process, with you working with us and us working with you. Just as each human being has a unique fingerprint, our board-certified medical providers develop programs that fit your specific needs and avoid a one-size fits all approach.
Opioid Use Disorder
The medical providers at Equinox Clinics are trained to provide medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapy to help address your opioid use disorder. Currently, the use of illicit opioids (heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, among others) have significantly increased the occurrence of overdose and death related to their use. For a patient addicted to opioids, we understand that is vitally important to address signs and symptoms of cravings and physical withdrawal. This is important so that the patient can return to feeling normal again, and not battling the constant cycle between stability and withdrawal syndrome. Once these symptoms are controlled, the patient can fully engage in the behavioral aspects (counseling, 12-step facilitation, group therapy) of treatment that are proven to save lives and help maintain longevity with recovery.
Medications currently FDA-approved to treat opioid use disorder are: Suboxone, Subutex, Sublocade, Vivitrol, and Naltrexone.
The medical providers at Equinox Clinics are trained to treat patients with opiate use disorder.
Alcohol Use Disorder
The oldest of all substances ever abused is alcohol. It has been around for centuries, and so has the disease of misuse/overuse commonly called alcoholism, now known as “alcohol use disorder”. Similar to other diseases of addiction, alcohol use disorder is rooted in the patient’s brain. It can exist on its own or in combination with other addictions (opioid, tobacco, sedative, stimulant, behavioral, etc.)
Fortunately there are medications to help patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) The three currently FDA approved medications for the treatment of AUD are: Naltrexone, Vivitrol (Naltrexone monthly injectable depot), Disulfiram, and Acamprosate. Like other addictions, medications can only help control withdrawal/craving, and it is the behavioral aspects of treatment (counseling, 12-step facilitation, group therapy, etc.) that help a patient with alcohol use disorder achieve long lasting recovery.
The medical providers at Equinox Clinics are trained to diagnose, treat, and evaluate patients with alcohol use disorder.
Stimulant Use Disorder
There are a wide variety of substances that people become addicted to that could be classified as stimulants. The classic example is cocaine. But, recently, Ecstasy (MDMA), methamphetamine ("Crystal Meth"), and Bath Salts have come to be stimulants of choice. Unfortunately, addiction to these substances can ensue.
While opioids, alcohol, and tobacco use have FDA approved medications to treat these medical conditions, there does not exist an FDA approved medication to treat stimulant use disorder at this time. Rather, the creation of what is called "The Matrix Model" has demonstrated considerable promise for treating stimulant use disorder. The Matrix Model involves:
- Group Psychotherapy
- Family Therapy
- Individual Counseling
- Contingency Management (CM)
- Social Support Groups
- Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders
The medical providers at Equinox Clinics are trained to treat patients with stimulant use disorder.
Nicotine Dependence and Co-occurring Addictions
Of all the substances out there that people become addicted to, none has had such a negative effect on people's health than tobacco. More people die each year from tobacco related illnesses (lung and throat cancer, emphysema and chronic bronchitis) than most other causes combined. Click on the graphic to the right (or below if you are on a mobile device) to see the staggering effective of cigarette smoking according to the American Cancer Society.
It is very common for patients dealing with substance use disorder (opioids, stimulants, alcohol) to also have nicotine dependence. Treating nicotine dependence usually takes a back seat to other addictions being addressed by medical providers. The medical data is clear - treat both substance abuse and nicotine dependence at the same time, results in long term positive outcomes. We believe it's important to offer options to treat nicotine dependence. There are several medications available to help address nicotine dependence. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is available in the form of gum, inhalers, and transdermal patches. The use of NRT has consistently proven to help patients abstain from tobacco products. In addition to NRT, two prescription medications: Bupropion (Zyban, Wellbutrin) and Varenicline (Chantix) have been shown to help patients quit smoking when combined with NRT or used along.
The medical providers at Equinox Clinics are trained to treat patients with nicotine dependence and co-occurring addictions.
Pregnancy and Substance Use Disorder
Research shows that use of tobacco, alcohol, illicit substance or misuse of prescriptions drugs by pregnant women can have very severe health consequences for infants. Using science-based medical practices, we individualize treatment to assist pregnant women in gaining sobriety. We pursue close coordination with OB/GYN specialists to provide optimal care for our pregnant patients. We work closely with our pregnant mothers to provide access to critical treatment options. Many of our medical providers have distinct experience in treating pregnant women, resulting in positive outcomes.
The medical providers at Equinox Clinics are trained to treat pregnant women suffering from substance abuse.
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