ADDICTION TREATMENT SERVICES

1. Outpatient Detoxification    
Physical dependence on the following substances usually requires a medically managed detoxification:

• Alcohol
• Heroin
• Oxycontin (oxycodone)
• Vicodin (hydrocodone)
• Xanax (alprazolam)
• Klonopin (clonazepam)
• Valium (diazepam)
• Ativan (lorazepam)

In certain cases, outpatient detoxification can safely be accomplished in an office-based setting using a combination of office visits, medication, phone contact and other outpatient support (if appropriate).  Dr. Mierlak can evaluate whether outpatient or inpatient detoxification is needed, and can provide outpatient detoxification for appropriate cases.

2. Suboxone Treatment                        
Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is a unique medication that allows for effective, comfortable, office-based outpatient detoxification from narcotics.  Prior to Suboxone’s development, detoxification from narcotics was usually conducted in hospitals or specialized clinics.  In some cases Suboxone is used for ongoing management of narcotic dependence.  The ability to treat narcotic dependent patients in a private office setting has allowed many more patients to get help for this serious public health problem.  Doctors must have specialized training and licensure to prescribe Suboxone. 

3. Addiction Pharmacotherapy               
Numerous medications are available to help patients who want to address their substance use.  These include medications to help patients stop using drugs and alcohol, medications to help patients continue to stay abstinent from drugs and alcohol, and in the case of alcohol, medications that may help reduce problematic use.  Dr. Mierlak has extensive experience with these medication strategies.

4. Addiction Psychotherapy
Chemical dependence is a complex disorder that involves biological, psychological, social, and, in some cases, spiritual components.  Patients usually require some form of psychotherapy or counseling to achieve success in addressing their substance use. 

Using core concepts of motivational enhancement and cognitive behavioral therapy, Dr. Mierlak provides individual psychotherapy for patients at all stages of readiness to change substance use patterns.  This includes a spectrum from those questioning whether they have a problem with substances, to those wishing to use less, to those committed to abstinence.

Dr. Mierlak sees each patient as unique, and recognizes that individual goals and strategies to achieve these goals can also be unique.  Dr. Mierlak works collaboratively with all established addiction treatment options (12-Step, inpatient facilities, outpatient rehabilitation, alternative medicine, etc.)

5. Co-Occurring Disorders           

Having been trained in general and addiction psychiatry, Dr. Mierlak specializes in the treatment of patients with coexisting substance use and psychiatric disorders.