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A Collaborative Physician Service Between Grand Rapids Addiction Medical
Specialists & Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
The Bright Side of Medications
Prescription medications have helped
countless people cope with a broad
spectrum of disorders including anxiety
and chronic pain. Depression is a
wonderful example of a disorder that has
been treated very successfully using
prescription medications. Without these
medications, the quality of life would be
significantly diminished.
Side Effects
Unfortunately, medications have side
effects that, in some cases, can be equal to
or even more problematic than the
symptoms they were intended to relieve.
Some medications used to treat more
severe cases of continuing pain and
anxiety are classic examples. Patients often
develop tolerances to these medications
and need ever-increasing doses to find the
same level of symptom relief.
The Prescription Trap
Because of the potential these drugs have for physical
dependency, increasing the dose over time can lead to a
heightened emotional and physical urgency for continued
use. Patients often feel trapped in a state of preoccupation
with their medications. They know if they run out or forget
them they will become sick, suffer increased anxiety and
panic symptoms, or they may fear their pain will become
intolerable.
Hopeful Alternatives
Grand Rapids Addiction Medical Specialists (GRAMS) and
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services have collaborated
to develop the Prescription Taper Program at DeMey
Southeast Clinic. This program is designed to provide a safe,
confidential and supportive environment to discontinue,
adjust or change medications with reduced discomfort and
physical complications. Services include:
- Medical care managed by a medical physician with
a specialty in addiction medicine.
- Direct care provided by physicians,
physician assistants, nurse practitioners and Master's-prepared counselors.
- Consultation services with pain clinics and
physicians.
- Individualized assessments.
- Group and individual counseling.
- Aftercare treatment and referrals.
Access to Care
If you are currently under the care of a pain specialist,
your primary physician, or a psychiatrist for treatment
of pain or other disorder, we strongly recommend you
consult with them prior to seeking services through the
Prescription Taper Program.
For more information or to schedule an appointment
for evaluation, please call the Pine Rest DeMey
Southeast Clinic at 616/242-6400.
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services in
collaboration with GRAMS offers a full continuum of
care for both mental health and substance use
disorders, including inpatient, residential, and
outpatient services. Our highly trained and
compassionate medical, psychiatric and counseling
staff will match your treatment to meet your specific
physical and emotional needs.
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