WORD with Dr. Michael David Clay

The primary psychoactive substance in tobacco is nicotine.As basis for misuse and dependence, nicotine makes associated health and behavioral health disorders associated with tobacco difficult to treat.Because of nicotine tolerance and withdrawal, a diagnosis of Tobacco Related Use Disorder often requires clinical intervention.CONTACT:Michael David Clay, D. Min., [email protected]

Review of the American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, identification of stimulant intoxication, with general treatment considerations, based upon American Society of Addiction Medicine Level of Care criterion.CONTACT:Michael David Clay, D. Min., [email protected]

Recent study indicates cocaine (stimulant) as the second most addictive and addicted substance in the United States behind heroin (opioid).The American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual also includes in the category of Stimulant Use Disorder both amphetamine, and methamphetamine.Diagnostic criterion, as well American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) treatment recommendations, remains consistent within all Substance Use Disorders.CONTACT:Michael David Clay, D. Min., [email protected]

All Substance Use Disorders share much in common.Many of the American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, criterion are one and the same across all categories of substances identified.Were it that the human condition most generally would be prone to Addiction, ALL humanity appears to require a HIGHER POWER to save them.CONTACT:Michael David Clay, D.Min., [email protected]

Where one lies on a continuum of emotional, psychological, and spiritual maturity, speaks to the need for more intensive and/or restrictive measures and modes of treatment in order to achieve and maintain abstinence.The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Levels 3.5, 3.7, and 4.0 of Residential Treatment represents the most intensive and restrictive substance abuse and chemical dependency care available.When lesser Levels of Care have been unsuccessful in stopping the use of illicit substances, Residential Care is an option to immediately stop the use of the illicit substance, as well continue to foster the development and acquisition of coping skills needed to best address stress as a trigger for continued use.CONTACT:Michael David Clay, D.Min., [email protected]

Level 2.5 Partial Hospitalization and 3.1 Halfway House or DRUG Rehabilitation Centers both provide additional higher levels of care (more restrictive and/or greater intensity) for persons failing outpatient oriented modes of treatment.Consideration for residential placement is based upon the degree less intensive and/or restrictive interventions are considered successful in stopping opioid use, as well reflect the need for increased social support and structure in maintaining sobriety.CONTACT:Michael David Clay, D. Min., [email protected]

American Society of Addiction Medicine Level 2.1, Intensive Outpatient Services, differs for Level 1 Care in that it is more Intensive, Restrictive, and with more stringent Accountability.Dimensions of Readiness for Change, Risk-Relapse Potential, and Living Environment dictate that without an increased level of external control, the patient is not likely to be capable of not using illicit substances.Nonetheless, the goal remains encouragement of change from within, with outside help being supportive in nature.CONTACT:Michael David Clay, D. Min., [email protected].

The American Society of Addiction Medicine Dimensions and Levels of Care correspond well with the physiological and psychological basis to Addictions Treatment overall.More then than simply a matter of physiology, the psychological necessarily ensures sustainability, as it comes to overcoming Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders.Contact:Michael David Clay, D. Min., M.A.Licensed Professional Clinical [email protected].

As the clinical presentation would include either overt INTOXIFICATION and/or RISK FOR WITHDRAWAL, there is also a corresponding risk for RELAPSE and ONGOING USE.Implicitly this risk thus reduces the efficacy of Level 1 Outpatient Care absent Medication Assist Treatments, such as that of combining psychological counseling with prescribed Buprenorphine and Naloxone.With an immediate reduction in the use of opioids, the body is given much needed time to physically, cognitive, and psycho-socially recover.Contact:Michael David Clay, D. Min., M.A.Licensed Professional Clinical [email protected].

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Level 1.0 is Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment for all Substance Related and Addictive Disorders.For a diagnosis of Opioid Use Disorder, American Psychiatric Association - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (APA-DSM), the choice of whether to recommend a Medication Assist Treatment option with Outpatient care comes down to the sound estimation of the RELAPSE potential for this, the MOST addicted category of substance in America today.Contact:Michael David Clay, D. Min., M.A.Licensed Professional Clinical [email protected].

Continued examination of the American Society of Addiction Medicine criterion of care, across all levels and dimensions of assessment, and recommendation for treatment.Contact:Michael David Clay, D. Min., M.A.Licensed Professional Clinical [email protected].

Combining the American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel, criterion with that of the American Society of Addiction Medicine criterion for appropriate levels of care, provides the best determination of where treatment begins for Opioid Abuse and Dependence.Contact:Michael David Clay, D. Min., M.A.Licensed Professional Clinical [email protected].

Interpretation of the findings associated with the diagnosis of Opioid Use Disorder, speaks greatly, to not only the course or progression of disorder, but also appropriate intervention and recovery.Contact:Michael David Clay, D. Min., M.A.Licensed Professional Clinical [email protected].

Recognize the symptoms of Opioid MISUSE, according to the American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel, personalized implications, along with present avenues of credible care and treatment.Contact:Michael David Clay, D. Min., M.A.Licensed Professional Clinical [email protected].

Being honest and truthful is the only viable means to finding good answers and solutions in life. Self-destruction and oftentimes death follow lying to self. To live drug and alcohol-free requires one find courage enough to follow the facts to the only true answer; being true to yourself.Contact:Michael David Clay, D. Min., M.A.Licensed Professional Clinical [email protected].

How to know if you are a drug addict, based upon the American Psychiatric Association (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorders.What it is to be an Addict, with treatment implications in mind.Contact:Michael David Clay, D. Min., M.A.Licensed Professional Clinical [email protected].