Health

Vivitrol: An Extremely Effective Ally In Fighting Opioid Addiction featuring Dr. Russell Surasky

Published

4 years ago

May 11, 2020

Let me tell you a story of a young man from a privileged Long Island community who was injured in a crash while away at college was prescribed Percocets for the pain — a story that epitomizes the national opioid epidemic.

Well call him Mike to protect his identity, a summation of his journey are as follows: his chronic injuries continued, as did the pain, prescription drugs ensued, which evolved into street drugs and Mike’s life becomes a calamity of shakespearean proportions.

Mike may have lost his job, girlfriend and savings, but he didn’t lose hope. He sought out an addiction doctor. Who suggested he try out Vivitrol. Luckily there is a happy ending to the story, Mike got clean and he attested Vivitrol to being a major factor in saving his life. So what is this drug that counteracts addiction?

What is Vivitrol & How Does It Work?

Vivitrol is a once-monthly injection that dramatically reduces cravings for opiate drugs. In contrast to Suboxone and Methadone, Vivitrol is not an opiate, it is not addictive, and does not cause physical dependence. Even more impressive is the fact that if a patient taking Vivitrol were to use opiates they would not feel high, not get sick; simply nothing would occur. The user’s desired effects are negated. Vivitrol is not a life sentence of medication. Treatment length varies but typically lasts for approximately 1 year.

Dr. Russell Surasky of New York is a neurology specialist. Dr. Surasky is triple board certified in neurology, addiction medicine, and preventive medicine. Currently he is the medical director of Bridge Back to Life, a multi-center outpatient addiction treatment program and the founder of the Surasky Neurological Center for Addiction in Great Neck, N.Y. Dr. Surasky calls Vivitrol one of the most effective treatments for opioid addiction.

“With the patient’s firm commitment to recovery, along with counseling and a strong support system, Vivitrol is a powerful tool in treating addiction to opioids and alcohol,” Surasky says. “Treatment with medication along with ongoing substance-abuse therapy and support offers patients a lifeline. Our patients have had remarkable success with Vivitrol. They tell us that they no longer crave or even think about opiates and they feel they have finally broken the chains of addiction.”

“There is nothing more important than keeping families whole, When someone has a substance use disorder, not only are they suffering but so is their family … we all need to join forces to try and keep people alive. No one is immune. No community is exempt.

Vivitrol may be the lifeline that is needed.

SHOT AT LIFE VIVITROL EDUCATION & SUPPORT GROUP

7-9 p.m. Tuesdays

St Bernard’s Parish School

3100 Hempstead Tpke., Levittown

2nd floor room #209

Health

9 Simple Steps to Dealing with a Broken Tooth

Published

3 months ago

February 14, 2024

Michelle Langton

Credit: freepik via Freepik

It’s movie night, and you have an obligatory bowlful of popcorn balancing on your lap. You toss a handful of popcorn and — crack — you unknowingly bite down on a kernel with the full power of your jaw.

Lightning strikes your mouth as you realize this humble kernel broke your tooth.

Now what?

Besides pausing the movie and spitting out your mouthful of popcorn and tooth, you might not know your next steps.

What should you do, and how can you pay for it? Find the answers to these questions and more below:

1. Save the Pieces

If possible, save any broken pieces of the tooth. Your dentist might need these pieces.

2. Rinse Your Mouth

Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Avoid using hot or cold water, as it might aggravate any exposed nerves.

3. Control Bleeding

If you bleed, apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean cloth or gauze. You can also use a cold compress on your jaw or cheek to reduce swelling.

4. Contact Your Dentist

Reach out to your dentist immediately. Explain the situation and try to schedule an emergency appointment. Many dentists reserve slots for urgent cases. If they don’t have a spot available, look at specialty emergency clinics in your area.

5. Get Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Broken and chipped teeth can hurt, so take some over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage this pain until you can see your dentist.

6. Check Insurance Coverage

Review your dental insurance policy to understand coverage details. Some policies may cover emergency procedures, while others may have limitations.

7. Discuss Payment Options

If cost is a concern, discuss financing options with your dentist. Some dental offices offer flexible arrangements that give you a break. If you qualify for these plans, you might be able to push out your due date to coincide with your payday. You may even be able to break up your total outstanding amount over several payments.

8. Take out a Personal Loan

If you’re just shy of what you need to cover your emergency dental expense, consider going online to scope out personal loans. A personal loan may fill in for savings in urgent situations. You can quickly visit a website like MoneyKey to see what you need to apply. If approved, a personal loan gives you the means to pay for your visit upfront and pay off what you owe over time.

9. Consider Urgent Care Clinics

If your financial situation is such that you can’t afford a personal loan’s payments, reconsider your choice of dentist. Some dental practices apply a sliding scale to their services so that they can provide immediate care at a lower cost for at-risk individuals.

Next Steps: Thinking About the Future

So, you’ve managed to repair your tooth and pay the bill, too. What’s next? Make sure you hit these three goals soon. They can help you prevent another broken tooth in the future!

Stay on Top of Dental Hygiene: Brush at least twice a day and floss once a day — these simple habits can protect your teeth over time.
Schedule Regular Checkups: Keeping up with regular cleanings can also help you prevent future dental emergencies.
Build an Emergency Fund: Sometimes, accidents happen. Consider building an emergency fund specifically for unexpected dental emergencies.