Opioid Use Disorder
OUD develops because opioids produce powerful changes in the brain’s reward and stress systems — changes that persist long after use stops. These neurological alterations drive intense cravings and make stopping extremely difficult through willpower alone. This is not a character flaw. It is how opioids affect the brain, regardless of the circumstances that led to use.
Opioid use disorder is highly treatable. A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation determines the severity of the condition, identifies co-occurring mental health disorders, and establishes an individualized treatment plan that may include medication-assisted treatment, psychiatric monitoring, and coordinated support.
This practice provides only Opioid Use Disorder maintenance oral medication treatment with Suboxone.
OUD presents differently across individuals depending on the type of opioid, duration of use, and co-occurring factors. These are the most common patterns we evaluate and address.
Using opioids in larger amounts or for longer periods than intended, despite repeated efforts to cut back or stop — a defining feature of opioid use disorder at any severity level.
Requiring increasingly higher doses to achieve the same effect, and experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms — such as nausea, muscle aches, sweating, and severe cravings — when opioid use is reduced.
Continuing to use opioids despite significant negative effects on health, relationships, finances, or employment — often while recognizing the harm and feeling unable to stop.
Spending the majority of time obtaining, using, or recovering from opioids — with relationships, responsibilities, and previously valued activities progressively falling away.
Opioid use disorder can be difficult to self-identify, particularly when use began with a legitimate prescription. These signs may indicate that a clinical evaluation is needed.
Opioid use disorder can develop in anyone — including those whose use began with a prescription. The circumstances that led to use do not determine your worth or your ability to recover.
Opioid cravings, difficulty controlling use, withdrawal symptoms, tolerance, continued use despite consequences, co-occurring depression or anxiety, PTSD
Psychiatric Evaluation (Required for all new patients)
30–60 minutes
Insurance and Self-Pay Options Available
Telehealth (New York & Kansas residents only)
Diagnosis is made through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation based on DSM-5 criteria. The evaluation assesses the pattern and consequences of opioid use, the presence of tolerance and withdrawal, and the degree to which use is impairing daily functioning.
MAT involves using FDA-approved medications — such as buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone) — to reduce cravings, prevent withdrawal, and stabilize brain chemistry without producing the effects of illicit opioids. MAT is the most evidence-based treatment available for OUD and significantly reduces overdose risk.
This practice provides only Opioid Use Disorder maintenance oral medication treatment with Suboxone.
Yes. Opioid use disorder can develop in individuals who were prescribed opioids for legitimate pain management. The brain changes that drive dependence are neurological, not a reflection of intent or character.
It depends on the severity of dependence. Opioid withdrawal can be medically significant and, in some cases, dangerous. Your evaluation will help determine whether supervised detox is needed before beginning medication-assisted treatment or other psychiatric care.
Yes. Psychiatric evaluation and medication management for opioid use disorder, including buprenorphine prescribing where applicable, are available via telehealth for eligible residents of New York and Kansas, subject to applicable regulations.
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