Children and teens are often in situations that cause them to be very stressed, scared and/or even in danger; and these experiences can affect the way they think and feel. If a child or teen suffers from such symptoms for more than one month, it is possible that they may have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  If left untreated, the symptoms of PTSD may get worse and cause depression, severe disability, or other problems.

Most of these children recover or “bounce back” quickly.  However, some children could have problems in the long run, especially in case of severely stressful events. The long-term problems that children and teens may experience from these traumatic events may prevent them from developing healthy relationships and can even interfere with the ability to do everyday things.

How We Can Help

Taking the step towards treatment and recovery for the first time is not an easy task and requires all the support one can get. At NovoTelehealth we can help and we are here for you.

Our professionals are eager and well equipped to work with you; offering treatment services that are confidential, effective, and impactful. It is no secret we are living difficult times. Now more than ever, you need easy, quick access to high quality treatment. Because we care, we go the extra mile to provide you with local care options to complement your treatment.

There are 3 FDA approved medications:

Methadone*: It’s an opioid agonist (stimulates opioid receptors in the brain) that together with counseling and behavioral therapy can effective for opioid use disorder.

(Methadone can be used for opioid use disorder and pain management. For opioid use disorder management, it can only be dispensed at certified Methadone clinic or at a Hospital while inpatient. Methadone is strongly regulated)

Suboxone: It’s an opioid partial agonist (it stimulates some, but not all opioid receptors in the brain) that together with counseling and behavioral therapy can also be effective for opioid use disorder.

Naltrexone: It is an opioid antagonist (blocks the opioid receptors) that can also be use with counseling and behavioral therapy.

Alcohol and tobacco products are, by far, the most frequently used substances with lethal consequences. Because of their legal status, both are highly underestimated. Alcohol is one of the few substances that both intoxication and withdrawal state can end your life.
Alcohol Addiction and You
Males or and any individuals over 65 yo: Drinking 5 or more drinks at once within 2 hours is consider binge drinking. 14 drinks or more in 1 week or more than 4 drinks a day means you are not drinking in moderation and are at risk of developing alcohol use disorder.
Females or and any individuals over 65 yo: Drinking 4 or more drinks at once within 2 hours is consider binge drinking. 7 drinks or more in 1 week or more than 3 drinks a day means you are not drinking in moderation and are at risk of developing alcohol use disorder.
A drink is typically classified as 14 g of alcohol. These will be the equivalence per drink type:

• 5 oz of wine=1 drink
• 12 oz of beer=1 drink
• 1.5 oz of liquor=1 drink

Side Effects of Alcohol Addiction

Some common symptoms of alcohol addiction include but are not limited to:

• Hangovers (dizziness, nausea, vomiting)
• Blackouts
• Memory Loss
• Liver problems (Cirrhosis)
• High Blood Pressure
• Stomach Problems (gastritis, stomach ulcers etc)
• Cardiovascular problems (heart problems)
• Cancer
• Pancreatitis

How We Can Help

Our team of experts can provide multiple approaches to the rehabilitation of those who are suffering from alcohol use disorder. We provide therapeutic approaches to aid you make changes in behaviors that trigger your “need” to drink and increases your stress. We can prescribe medications to combat alcohol addiction. We can also assist by providing treatment to manage the physiological aspect of it, including cravings and if necessary, referral for detox to avoid serious withdrawal symptoms. We work with you to establish goals and a strong support system to achieve them.

Tobacco and vaping devices contain nicotine, an ingredient that can lead to addiction, which is why so many people who smoke or vape find it difficult to quit.

FDA approved treatment options:

NRT (Nicotine replacement treatment)

1. Nicotine gum/lozenges
2. Nicotine inhaler
3. Nicotine spray

Medications

1. Varenicline
2. Bupropion

These are even more effective when combined with behavioral therapy.

Stimulants are substances such as cocaine and medications like Methylphenidate (Ritalin) or Dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Currently there is not a good FDA approved medication to treat Stimulant use. Topamax and Disulfiram have some weak evidence. Contingency management has proven to be highly effective for Cocaine use disorder as well as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). Counseling, behavioral therapy, self-help groups, higher level of care as needed are the tools to use.
Cocaine is a drug that can be obtain from processing the coca plant. Because of how it targets neurotransmitters in your brain (Norepinephrine and Dopamine), it can be very stimulating and addictive. Other substances such as Amphetamines and Methamphetamines have a similar effect with some differences in the action mechanism and the duration of the effect (substance’s half-life).

How We Can Help

Inpatient rehabilitation and therapy are the most effective for cocaine use disorder. We are confident that the holistic approach to treatment addresses the underlying issues that could have contributed to this addiction.
Our team of mental health experts will work with you to manage your withdrawal symptoms, break habits associated with use, and break thought patterns that make cravings hard to resist. We will also connect you with outside groups and services that are available to those battling addictions. Going through this process can be exceedingly difficult on your own; working with our specialists will provide you with the best chance for recovery.

Anxiolytics are medications such as benzodiazepines (i.e. Xanax, Klonopin) or barbiturates (thiopental and others) which despite having a proper medical use, can cause physical dependence that can lead to addiction.
These usually require either inpatient or outpatient detoxification, depending on the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawals from these drugs have proven to be lethal. There’s some evidence for anticonvulsants such as Valproic Acid, Carbamazepine and others to help with withdrawal symptoms. Behavioral interventions are also effective.

In 2019 more than 2 Million People struggled with an addition to prescription medication, you are not alone. Here many different drug classes converge (stimulants, analgesic, sedatives/hypnotics/anxiolytics) but the outcome remains the same. Increase of Dopamine levels during use or intoxication phase (“high”), withdrawal from said substance (Discomfort after drugs leave our system. When this will happen, depends on how long medication states in your system), cravings (compulsive need to use again).
Novo Telehealth recognizes the impact that prescription drug addiction has had on countless families. Give yourself a chance with us and trust that a state of recovery is possible.

About Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drug abuse is defined as the use of medication outside of the use prescribed by your physician. Consumption of these drugs can cause alterations in the way the brain functions.
Studies and reports from the National Institute on Drug Abuse have identified the three most common classes of prescribed drugs associated with addiction. These three classes are opioids, Central Nervous System Depressants, and stimulants (both opioids and stimulants are discussed in their own section).
Sedatives, hypnotics and anxiolytics are drugs like Xanax, Ativan, and Valium are effective for treating anxiety, insomnia, and other sleep disorders through their effect on Gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA. This chemical is the one responsible for making you feel calm and drowsy by reducing brain activity. Barbiturates are also CNS depressants and are typically used to treat seizures. The tendency to need larger doses to reach the calm and drowsy effect makes them a likely candidate for abuse.

How We Can Help

We provide the services needed to help people suffering from prescription drug abuse to reclaim control of their lives and beat the addiction. We have seen and treated many who underwent standard surgical procedures and found themselves trapped in a vicious cycle of abusing the medications prescribed to them. Our team of both clinical and supportive staff understand the severity of prescription drug addiction and have developed effective means for tackling it. This can include helping you build good habits, manage situations that inspire you to take the medication, and, when necessary, seek medical help to help you overcome your addiction. We can help and/or can collaborate with your medical provider to find non addictive alternatives to manage pain and attention related issues.