EXPERT
Dr. Andre S. Chen, MD
Addiction Medicine Specialist | Addiction Medicine
<p>Dr. Andre Chen is an Addiction Medicine Physician in AUSTIN, ROUND ROCK, KILLEEN, AND WACO, TX. In addition, he works with pain management patients.</p>
27 years
Experience
Dr. Andre S. Chen, MD
- ROUND ROCK, TX
- University of Texas at Austin
- Accepting new patients
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How to help a friend addicted to opiods?
Let you know that you care about them and look into medical treatment options that they may have. This is not easy as much of it is confusing and difficult to access. Also, get READ MORE
Let you know that you care about them and look into medical treatment options that they may have. This is not easy as much of it is confusing and difficult to access. Also, get some naloxone.
Here's a inexpensive and good book about the medical treatment of opioid addiction: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35785382-overcoming-opioid-addiction
Here's a inexpensive and good book about the medical treatment of opioid addiction: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35785382-overcoming-opioid-addiction
What are the side effects of opioid addition?
Opioid addiction can cause personal devastation and overdose death. https://www.tpt.org/the-opioid-fix/video/the-opioid-fix-35864
Which antidepressant medication is the least addictive?
Most antidepressants aren't addictive but you can become dependent on them. The difference is that they usually don't negative affect your life and when you want to stop then READ MORE
Most antidepressants aren't addictive but you can become dependent on them. The difference is that they usually don't negative affect your life and when you want to stop then you can slowly taper off a medication you become dependent on without too much of a problem.
What is being done to ween people off addictive prescription drugs?
Getting doctors to wean patients off mediations that they are dependent on is pretty much like expecting the restaurant industry to make people to eat healthier. You can do promotions READ MORE
Getting doctors to wean patients off mediations that they are dependent on is pretty much like expecting the restaurant industry to make people to eat healthier. You can do promotions and make regulations but not everyone is able to or wants to follow them.
Dependency to opiate vs addiction
The use of opioids for chronic pain is controversial because there are differences in opinion about what the benefits vs the risks are. They can cause behavioral and cognitive READ MORE
The use of opioids for chronic pain is controversial because there are differences in opinion about what the benefits vs the risks are. They can cause behavioral and cognitive side effects. It is not unusual in legal matters for them to be used to question someone's judgement. A mental health professional can render an opinion about whether someone has an addiction vs physical dependence based on the DSM5 criteria for opioid use disorder.
Does psychotherapy help people addicted to medicine?
Psychotherapy can help, however, there is a biologic issue with addiction to medication such as opioids. Think of the bottom level of Maslov's Hierarchy of Needs. Addictions READ MORE
Psychotherapy can help, however, there is a biologic issue with addiction to medication such as opioids. Think of the bottom level of Maslov's Hierarchy of Needs. Addictions work on the bottom level. Opioid addiction can be more deadly compared to other addictions.
Can the overuse of prescription medication lead to obesity?
Many antidepressants have a side effect of weight gain. Some more than others.
Can you be addicted to anesthesia?
Yes, but those drugs aren't usually prescribed from pharmacies, however, people who have access to them such as those who work in medical offices and hospitals can. One example READ MORE
Yes, but those drugs aren't usually prescribed from pharmacies, however, people who have access to them such as those who work in medical offices and hospitals can. One example of propofol which is what Michael Jackson died from.
Are anti-anxiety drugs dangerous?
Some can be. Benzodiazepines, for example, like alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, and clonazepam, are similar to alcohol in their effects.
Why is very addictive medicine even prescribed?
Addictive medication is a tool like any other and has risks and benefits. It's like asking why junk food is served when it is so unhealthy. Moreover, why do people eat it? Because READ MORE
Addictive medication is a tool like any other and has risks and benefits. It's like asking why junk food is served when it is so unhealthy. Moreover, why do people eat it? Because it's fast, cheap, and very satisfying in the short term.
My son has become reliant on taking Tylenol?
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is not considered to be addictive nor do people usually become dependent on it. One can develop a habit or routine, however, due to some other need, however. READ MORE
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is not considered to be addictive nor do people usually become dependent on it. One can develop a habit or routine, however, due to some other need, however.
What are signs of a heroin addiction?
They can be. One simple sign to look for is pinpoint pupils. Opioids cause the pupils to constrict. You need to learn more, though. From a medical standpoint: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35785382-overcoming-opioid-addiction READ MORE
They can be. One simple sign to look for is pinpoint pupils. Opioids cause the pupils to constrict. You need to learn more, though. From a medical standpoint: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35785382-overcoming-opioid-addiction
Can medications give you a false positive on a drug test?
It depends on the type of test. Some tests are presumptive such as the ones that are done directly in the specimen cup. Others are sent to labs for mass spectrometry and are READ MORE
It depends on the type of test. Some tests are presumptive such as the ones that are done directly in the specimen cup. Others are sent to labs for mass spectrometry and are considered definitive and don't usually have false positive results. A person who is taking illicit substances never really knows what is in them. Fentanyl is used to adulterate just about any illicit substance including counterfeit pills.
Does my son need to go to support group or rehab for alcohol?
There are multiple effective paths to alcohol recovery, both inpatient and outpatient. There is no one-size fits all. One path that should be considered more often is medical READ MORE
There are multiple effective paths to alcohol recovery, both inpatient and outpatient. There is no one-size fits all. One path that should be considered more often is medical treatment: https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-prescription-to-end-drinking-1418687580
How long does it take to quit smoking?
Nicotine replacement is available over the counter so you could start quitting today. However, the entire process may take multiple attempts over months to years.
What makes heroin so addictive?
Opioids such as heroin have always been addictive. The availability and potency has increased over the past couple of decades, though, as well as societal issues that make people READ MORE
Opioids such as heroin have always been addictive. The availability and potency has increased over the past couple of decades, though, as well as societal issues that make people in some areas more vulnerable to substance abuse. Heroin is also being laced with fentanyl which is cheaper and stronger.
How do I quit smoking?
Nicotine replacement is available over-the-counter so it's relatively easy to get started. Then you work on things like identifying your triggers and other behavioral modification. READ MORE
Nicotine replacement is available over-the-counter so it's relatively easy to get started. Then you work on things like identifying your triggers and other behavioral modification.
Can oxycodone become addictive?
Oxycodone is an opioid and is addictive.
How long does it take for Suboxone to take effect?
Relief from withdrawal starts in minutes but the peak effect takes several days.
How long do antidepressants remain addictive?
Antidepressants usually aren't addictive but you can become dependent on them. If you taper off of them you may feel withdrawal symptoms for weeks to months depending on how long READ MORE
Antidepressants usually aren't addictive but you can become dependent on them. If you taper off of them you may feel withdrawal symptoms for weeks to months depending on how long you were taking them.
