Addiction Medicine and Psychiatry

Dr. Simon strives to make the most current, evidence based services available to individuals and their families who are experiencing difficulties with psychiatric symptoms and/or addiction.

Chemical dependency and mental health disorders are treatable diseases. Addiction often seems mysterious and out of control.  It is difficult for those who are affected to understand themselves or explain to others their challenges.  However there is much about addiction that has been studied.  The science shows that it is an issue beyond “will power.”  As a result of scientific research, we know that addiction is a disease that affects both brain and behavior.

There are different genetic, epigenetic, and physiological vulnerabilities.  Research has identified a rewards system in the brain with particular neurotransmitters that are likely involved.  Despite these advances, many people today do not understand why individuals become addicted to drugs or how drugs change the brain to foster compulsive drug abuse.

Dr. Simon believes that education and de-mystification is an important part of the treatment process to empower his patients and those close to them with this knowledge. 

Dr. Simon also thoroughly discusses the pharmacological actions of suboxone, Vivitrol and other medications.  He uses the minimal, most efficacious dose that a patient needs to aid them in their sobriety.  At the same time, realistic goals are set for the eventual weaning off of the medication.

As part of the treatment process, patients are learning new coping skills to help them maintain sobriety.  Dr. Simon carefully guides his patients safely through these processes to prevent relapse. 

Addiction need not be a life sentence. Like other chronic diseases, addiction can be managed successfully. Treatment enables people to counteract addiction’s powerful disruptive effects on brain and behavior and regain control of their lives. Different types of medications may be useful at different stages of treatment to help a patient stop abusing drugs, stay in treatment, and avoid relapse. Dr. Simon is a licensed Suboxone provider, Vivitrol provider and also uses other FDA approved medications for alcohol and smoking cessation when needed. 

Because Dr. Simon is also trained in general psychiatry, he is able to diagnose and treat other mental health issues, or dual diagnoses, which may impact upon addiction. 

Suboxone/Vivitrol treatment cost considerations:

When a patient is considering the financial cost of suboxone/Vivitrol treatment, one must really consider the other costs of "not" seeking treatment. Evidence based medicine supports a carefully guided treatment and maintenance plan of suboxone in most opioid addicted people, along with setting goals to eventually wean off suboxone entirely. Once a patient is stabilized on suboxone or Vivitrol, they tend to do better with their employment, improve relationships with their family and friends, and diminish their legal problems.

• Job Cost: According to SAMHSA, addicts miss over two days of work per month because of their addiction. Whether the employee pays or the employer pays, we are talking about a loss of between $100 and $1000 depending how much someone makes. This does not include the indirect costs such as conflicts with others causing decreased production at work, lower salary for the person, or decreased business for the employer.

• Legal Cost: Frequently, drug addicts are under the surveillance of law enforcement. There are probation, court, and drug screen screens. We are also dealing with a huge illicit drug trafficking trade in the United States representing a danger to individual involved. Heroin addicts are well known for stealing to support their habit, but they are not alone. Others addicted to narcotic pills steal medications and possessions from family and friends.

• Physical Cost: Addicts are at risk for sexual transmitted diseases through acquisition of the drug. They are at risk for blood clots and bacterial-blood infection if opioids are injected. In addition, there is the risk of HIV and hepatitis. Automobile accidents, falls, and accidents due to impairment are problems.

• Emotional Cost: Many addicts lead secret lives. Their families are not aware of the risk of financial ruin they are being placed in until it is too late. Hiding, sneaking around, and always being worried about getting caught are things the addict has to live with when using.

• Financial Cost: In my experiences, I found that most addicts spend about three times on their drug habit than what they would pay if they paid for treatment completely out of pocket. This cost is improved with insurance coverage.

• Psychiatric Cost: Addicts have other psychiatric illness more as a rule than as an exception. Depression and other drug and alcohol use are most common. There is a large increase in the risk of death.

• Risk of Relapse: When an addict relapses, there is a loss of trust from family members and employers. This frequently leads to job loss and divorce.

Dr. Simon is a qualified Suboxone and Vivitrol doctor in NJ and has a suboxone/Vivitrol treatment center locally in Cherry Hill. Dr. Simon will help with addiction to opiates through a Suboxone opiate detox program.