For Professionals

Meditox has pioneered a new protocol for effective detoxification from opioid dependency. Its philosophy draws upon recent breakthroughs in the medical treatment of opiate addiction (i.e., Buprenorphine) that now safely and effectively ensures successful care strictly on an outpatient basis. The Meditox Method™ of drug detox allows a patient, while under the supervision and care of a clinical team of experts in addiction, to withdraw in comfort from substance dependency as they continue to work or study. Our treatment modalities are different from other drug detox programs because it is individually modified for each patient, taking into consideration not only their medical history, but their personal issues as well.

The Meditox Method™ utilizes a regimen of medications that promptly eliminate symptoms of withdrawal, including anxiety, sleeplessness as well as the debilitating aches, pains and cravings normally associated with opiate detoxification. Our comfortable forty-two day drug detox program has proved effective in combination with our one-on-one "detox coaching" by trained clinicians who follow our patients throughout the course of treatment. Our methodology was adapted specifically for high functioning, motivated people who need individual attention and guidance. Meditox is an alternative to those seeking effective treatment but reluctant to disappear into a thirty, sixty, or ninety day drug rehab program; we offer our patients confidential help without disruption in their daily routine.

Meditox is the first step on the road to recovery. We encourage our patients to seek or continue additional therapeutic support complimentary to our treatment. As such, the protocol combines psycho-pharmaceutical addiction treatment with a therapeutic component, allowing our patient's therapists to remain key players with their patients -- before, during and after the course of their "at home drug detox".

Because Meditox eliminates the immediate agony of withdrawal and cravings, key to relapse prevention, therapists are free to deal with the underlying cause of their patient's dependency, while maintaining their therapeutic alliance. After all, who knows your patient better than you do?

Patients arrive for assessment and medical examination by one of our Board Certified Doctors. They are then diagnosed and treated according to their specific needs, returning home immediately to your continued care in tandem with Meditox.

For more information or to set up an appointment for your patient, you may call David Dashev at (561) 313-3977 or Stuart Birnbaum at (561) 267-8481.

"You don't have to stop your life in order to save it."

-- Mark G. Agresti, M.D., P.A.
Medical Director, Meditox

MEDITOX FAQ's

1. How many times do I have to see my patient during the 42 day program? We recommend that you see your patient at least once a week. However, the number of times you see your patient is completely at the discretion of you and your patient.

2. Who at Meditox is available to me for questions or support with my patient? Our doctors and nurses are always on call. You will be given a direct line to them.

3. How accessible are Meditox doctors for consultation? You can reach our doctors whenever you need them.

4. How long must the patient stay at Meditox before returning home ? A patient stays for only a few hours before returning home.

5. How many days must a patient wait after starting the Meditox program before starting therapy with me again? The medication that a patient is given does not cognitively impair him or her in any way. Therefore, in general, you may see your patient within 24 to 48 hours. Sooner if they feel up to it.

6. How does the Meditox program work? Step 1: Patients arrive for assessment and a medical examination by a Board Certified Doctor and substance dependency specialist. Patients are then diagnosed and treated according to their specific needs. This takes into account bio-psycho-social factors in addition to the physiological symptoms that occur during detox. Step 2: Patients receive a regimen of safe and effective medications that promptly eliminate symptoms of withdrawal, including anxiety, sleeplessness as well as the debilitating aches and pains normally associated with opiate detoxification. Patients return home, to work or to their studies for the duration of treatment. Although consideration of further treatment options like therapy and/or 12 Step work is recommended, hospitalization or confinement to a rehab facility is not necessary. Step 3: Varying with the individual, the full course of treatment generally lasts 42 days (six weeks). Through the course of treatment, the patients' physical and psychological progress is monitored by the Clinical team of addiction specialists.

7. Who is a candidate for the Meditox program? The Meditox Method is a new protocol for outpatient opiate detoxification. Its philosophy draws upon recent breakthroughs in science and technology which have given rise to the discovery of medications ( i.e., Buprenorphine ) designed for the safe and comfortable withdrawal from opiate dependency. The Meditox Method was adapted specifically for high functioning, motivated people who need individual attention and guidance so they can free themselves from chemical addictions while continuing with their lives.

8. What is the referral procedure for getting my patient into the Meditox program? Is there a professional's only hotline? There is an 800 hotline that you may call. Your calls will be answered by a Meditox professional who will promptly and personally help you with all necessary arrangements. Additionally, professionals (i.e., doctors, therapists, etc.) may contact David Dashev at (561) 313-3977 or Stuart Birnbaum at (561) 267-8481.

9. What is my role during the 42 day detox? You may see your patient as often as you deem necessary. We recommend no less than once a week, but your scheduled visits will vary from patient to patient. You will consult with our doctors and clinicians tracking your patient's progress throughout the course of treatment.

10. How does Buprenorphine differ from methadone and is it addictive ? (Buprenorphine (Subutex, Suboxone)) is a derivative of the opioid alkaloid thebaine that is a more potent and longer lasting analgesic than morphine. It appears to act as a partial agonist at mu and kappa opioid receptors and as an antagonist at delta receptors. The lack of delta-agonist activity has been suggested to account for the observation that Buprenorphine tolerance may not develop with chronic use. This analgesic binds to one of the subclasses of opioid receptors called mu receptors. At very high doses it blocks the effects of heroin but may increase craving for cocaine. Low doses may be an effective treatment for both heroin and cocaine craving. It is also being tested in combination with naltrexone for heroin addiction. Buprenorphine is nearly impossible to abuse. Unlike Methadone, dosages exceeding daily recommended use will not cognitively impair patients. In fact, abnormally high dosages will make them sick. Suboxone contains an additional ingredient called naloxone to guard against misuse. Buprenorphine carries a low risk of addiction, especially during the 42 day Meditox protocol. Some patients, under the direction of their doctors or therapists, may elect to continue an extended detox (or maintenance program) lasting no more than 12 months. Patients run a small risk of dependence and will have to be gradually weaned off their meds at the end of this period.

11. What if a patient is taking psychoactive medications ? Buprenorphine is not counter-indicated with psychoactive medications.

12. What drugs will Meditox detox from ? Meditox can detox patients from all opiates and opioid painkillers (i.e., Oxycontin, Vicodin, Percocet, Hydrocodone, Lortab, heroin, etc.) We also detox patients from Methadone, but the treatment protocol varies from our standard treatment model. It will take a week longer at additional cost.

If you feel that Meditox might be the right solution for you or your loved one, please call us for a toll-free and private consultation:

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“Today is week #5! I have my life back, this morning my husband told me he hadn't seen me like this in three years! My daughter told me "your back Mom"! My Fybromyalgia is down to 2 to 3 percent of what it was, I am fully able to live with the Joy and Love and Laughter which has always been my way.”

Mother, Real Estate Agent, 49
August 11, 2006

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