Addiction Psychiatry

Expert Treatment for Substance Use & Behavioral Addictions

Addiction is not a moral failing. It's a complex brain disorder that requires the expert medical treatment Dr. Lazarevic and her team offers.

As a board-certified Addiction Psychiatrist, Dr. Lazarevic understands:

• The neurobiology of addiction and how it hijacks the brain's reward system
• Co-occurring mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, trauma) that fuel substance use
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) protocols that save lives
• The shame and stigma that keep people from seeking help
• The difference between harm reduction, moderation, and abstinence—and how to support your goals

If you've tried to stop on your own and failed, or if other treatment programs haven't worked, you need specialized addiction psychiatry—not general mental health care.

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Why Addiction Requires Specialized Treatment

Most Psychiatrists Aren't Trained in Addiction Medicine

General psychiatrists receive minimal addiction training in residency—often just a few weeks. Dr. Lazarevic completed a fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry at NYU, one of the nation's leading addiction medicine programs.

This means she can:

• Diagnose complex substance use disorders accurately
• Differentiate between addiction, dependence, and recreational use
• Prescribe specialized addiction medications (buprenorphine, naltrexone, etc.)
• Manage withdrawal safely
• Address co-occurring psychiatric disorders that complicate recovery
• Navigate the psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of addiction

Addiction psychiatry is a medical specialty—and you deserve a specialist.

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Substances We Treat

Alcohol Use Disorder

The most common substance use disorder in the US. We offer:

• Medication-assisted treatment (naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram)
• The Sinclair Method (targeted naltrexone for moderation)
• Nutritional support for liver healing and brain recovery
• Trauma-informed therapy for underlying causes
• Family involvement when appropriate

Goals: Complete abstinence OR controlled drinking, depending on your situation and preferences.

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Opioid Use Disorder

Including prescription painkillers, heroin, and fentanyl. We offer:

• Buprenorphine/Suboxone induction and maintenance
• Tapering protocols when you're ready
• Pain management for chronic pain patients
• Overdose prevention education
• Integration with psychotherapy

Note: We do not administer injectable Vivitrol or Sublocade but can coordinate with providers who do.

We save lives. Medication-assisted treatment reduces overdose death risk by 50% or more.

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Stimulant Use Disorder

Cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin). We offer:

• Psychiatric management of withdrawal and post-acute withdrawal syndrome
• Treatment for co-occurring ADHD (which can drive stimulant misuse)
• Medication to reduce cravings and stabilize mood
• Nutritional support to repair neurotransmitter systems
• Behavioral interventions and relapse prevention

Stimulant addiction is hard to treat—but not impossible with the right expertise.

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Benzodiazepine Dependence

Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, Ativan. We offer:

• Safe, medically supervised tapering (stopping suddenly can be dangerous)
• Alternative anxiety treatments
• Trauma therapy to address underlying anxiety
• Functional medicine approaches to GABA support

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be life-threatening. You need medical supervision.

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Cannabis Use Disorder

While many people use cannabis without problems, some develop dependence. We offer:

• Assessment of whether your use is problematic
• Treatment for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome
• Support for quitting or moderating use
• Management of withdrawal symptoms (insomnia, irritability, anxiety)

Cannabis withdrawal is real—and we take it seriously.

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Other Substances

• Tobacco/Nicotine: Medication, behavioral support, harm reduction
• MDMA/Ecstasy: Post-use depression management, neurotransmitter support
• Hallucinogens: Risk reduction, integration therapy
• Kratom: Tapering protocols, alternative pain management
• Prescription medication misuse: Safe discontinuation, alternatives

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Behavioral Addictions

Not all addictions involve substances.

We treat behavioral addictions including:

• Gambling addiction - Often co-occurs with bipolar disorder or ADHD
• Sex and pornography addiction - Frequently linked to trauma or shame
• Internet and gaming addiction - Especially problematic in young adults
• Compulsive shopping - Often masking depression or anxiety
• Exercise addiction - Dangerous when it becomes compulsive

Behavioral addictions activate the same brain pathways as substance addiction—and require expert treatment.

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Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

The Gold Standard for Addiction Treatment

Decades of research prove that medication + therapy is far more effective than willpower alone.

We prescribe:

For Alcohol Use Disorder:

• Naltrexone (daily or Sinclair Method) - Reduces cravings and pleasure from drinking
• Acamprosate/Campral - Reduces post-acute withdrawal symptoms
• Disulfiram/Antabuse - Deterrent medication (causes illness if you drink)

For Opioid Use Disorder:

• Buprenorphine/Suboxone - Reduces cravings, prevents withdrawal, blocks euphoria
• Naltrexone (oral) - For those who have completed detox

For Nicotine:

• Varenicline/Chantix - Reduces nicotine cravings
• Bupropion/Wellbutrin - Reduces withdrawal and cravings

Medication isn't "replacing one drug with another." It's giving your brain the stability it needs to heal while you do the psychological work of recovery.

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Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

80% of people with addiction have co-occurring psychiatric conditions.

Common co-occurring disorders:

• Depression (often the reason people self-medicate)
• Anxiety and panic disorder
• PTSD and trauma
• Bipolar disorder (especially with stimulant or alcohol use)
• ADHD
• Personality disorders (borderline, antisocial)

The problem: Most addiction programs don't adequately treat psychiatric conditions. And most psychiatrists don't understand addiction.

Dr. Lazarevic treats BOTH simultaneously—which is essential for lasting recovery.

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The Functional Medicine Approach to Addiction

Addiction damages your biology. We repair it.

Most addiction treatment ignores the biological damage caused by chronic substance use:

• Inflammation - Alcohol, stimulants, and opioids all worsen neuroinflammation
• Nutritional deficiencies - Thiamine, magnesium, B vitamins, amino acids
• Gut dysbiosis - Alcohol destroys gut bacteria, affecting mood and cravings
• Hormonal imbalances - Opioids suppress testosterone; alcohol disrupts thyroid
• Mitochondrial dysfunction - Your cells can't produce energy efficiently

We run comprehensive lab work to identify:

• Inflammatory markers
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Liver function and detoxification capacity
• Gut health markers
• Hormone levels

Then we implement targeted protocols:

• Anti-inflammatory nutrition
• High-dose nutritional supplementation
• Gut healing protocols
• Amino acid therapy to rebuild neurotransmitters
• IV nutrient therapy (when indicated)

This biological repair dramatically reduces cravings and supports long-term recovery.

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Treatment Philosophy: From Harm Reduction to Abstinence

We meet you where you are.

Not everyone is ready for abstinence—and that's okay.

Harm Reduction: If you're not ready to stop completely, we can help you:

• Use more safely (reduce overdose risk, prevent health complications)
• Reduce frequency and quantity
• Stabilize your life while using
• Build motivation for change

Moderation: For some people (especially with alcohol), controlled use may be possible:

• The Sinclair Method for alcohol moderation
• Structured moderation plans
• Regular monitoring and accountability

Abstinence: For many substances (especially opioids, stimulants), complete abstinence is the safest goal:

• Medication to prevent cravings and relapse
• Trauma therapy to address underlying causes
• Support groups (AA, SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery)
• Lifestyle medicine for sustainable recovery

We don't judge your goals. We support your readiness for change and adjust treatment as you progress.

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What to Expect in Addiction Treatment

Initial Comprehensive Evaluation (a full evaluation can take 2-4 appointments depending on complexity)

We'll discuss:

• Your complete substance use history (what, how much, how often, how long)
• Previous treatment attempts and what did/didn't work
• Mental health history and current symptoms
• Family history of addiction and mental health
• Medical complications from substance use
• Social situation (work, relationships, housing, legal issues)
• Your goals for treatment

We'll order:

• Comprehensive lab work (liver function, nutritional status, infectious diseases if indicated)
• Urine drug screening (for baseline and monitoring)
• Additional functional medicine testing if appropriate

You'll leave with:

• Clear diagnosis
• Treatment plan (medication, therapy, labs, nutrition)
• Prescriptions if appropriate (MAT medications, psychiatric medications)
• Resources and support

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Ongoing Treatment Structure

Frequency depends on acuity:

Early recovery (first 1-3 months):

• Psychiatry: Weekly or bi-weekly
• Psychotherapy: Weekly (strongly recommended)
• Urine drug screens: As needed for monitoring
• Nutritional support: Bi-weekly

Stable recovery (3-12 months):

• Psychiatry: Bi-weekly to monthly
• Psychotherapy: Weekly or Bi-weekly
• Labs: Every 6 months
• Nutrition: Bi-weekly to Monthly

Maintenance (1+ years):

• Psychiatry: Monthly to quarterly
• Psychotherapy: weekly to bi-weekly
• Labs: Annually
• Nutrition: Monthly to quarterly

Relapses happen—they're part of recovery, not failure. We adjust treatment and keep going.

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Psychotherapy for Addiction

Medication alone isn't enough.

Dr. Cohen (PhD) and Dr. Lazarevic (MD) provide evidence-based addiction psychotherapy:

Motivational Interviewing: Explores ambivalence about change and builds internal motivation

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifies triggers, changes thought patterns, develops coping skills

EMDR: Processes trauma that often underlies addiction

Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP): Teaches awareness of cravings and urges without acting on them

Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious patterns and early life experiences driving addiction

12-Step Facilitation: Supports engagement with AA/NA if that's your preference

SMART Recovery Principles: Evidence-based alternative to 12-step programs

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For Medical Professionals with Substance Use Issues

You're Not Alone

Physicians, nurses, and healthcare providers have higher rates of substance use disorders than the general population—due to stress, access, and the culture of medicine.

We specialize in treating medical professionals, including those monitored by CPH, OPMC, or HAVEN.

Learn more about our Physician Wellness Program →

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Why Choose Evolution Medicine for Addiction Treatment?

✓ Board-Certified Addiction Psychiatrist

Fellowship-trained at NYU—one of the nation's leading addiction programs

✓ 30 Years of Experience

Thousands of patients treated across the full spectrum of addiction severity

✓ Comprehensive Functional Medicine

We treat the biological damage addiction causes—not just the behavior

✓ Co-Occurring Disorders Expertise

Depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar—we treat it all simultaneously

✓ Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Buprenorphine prescriber, Sinclair Method, full range of addiction medications

✓ Evidence-Based Psychotherapy

EMDR, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention

✓ Individualized, Non-Judgmental Care

We meet you where you are—harm reduction to abstinence

✓ Privacy & Confidentiality

Self-pay practice means no insurance documentation of your treatment

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Addiction Treatment Pricing

Initial Addiction Psychiatry Consultation (60 minutes): $750

Follow-up visits: Frequency and pricing based on needs

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Included in visit fees

Psychotherapy: $350 (initial) with Dr. Cohen, call to inquire for rates with Dr. Lazarevic

Momentum Care Packages: Available for complex addiction with co-occurring conditions

We provide superbills for out-of-network insurance reimbursement.

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Common Questions About Addiction Treatment

Q: Is it a requirement to attend AA/NA? A: No. 12-step programs help many people and can be a supportive environment, but they're not for everyone. We support whatever recovery path works for you (SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, secular approaches, etc.)

Q: Can I stay on Suboxone long-term? A: Yes, if that's what keeps you stable and alive. Medication-assisted treatment can be indefinite—it's not "trading one addiction for another," it's medical management of a chronic disease.

Q: What if I relapse? A: Relapse is common in addiction recovery. We don't shame or abandon you—we adjust treatment and keep going. The goal is progress, not perfection.

Q: Do you drug test me? A: For certain medications (like buprenorphine), regular urine drug screening is required by law and good medical practice. It's not about punishment—it's about safety and monitoring.

Q: Can I moderate my drinking instead of quitting completely? A: For some people with mild-to-moderate alcohol use disorder, moderation is possible (especially with the Sinclair Method). We'll assess whether moderation is realistic and safe for you.

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