Substance Abuse Specialist

David Salvage, M.D., FAPM

Forensic and Addiction Psychiatrist located in Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY & Financial District, New York, NY

Substance abuse is an extremely devastating and prevalent problem, affecting more than 21.5 million adults in the United States in 2014 alone, and this number has risen in large part due to opioid addiction. David Salvage, MD, FAPM, has considerable experience in the field of substance abuse and has been certified in addiction psychiatry since 1997, and he’s also a certified Suboxone provider. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, call his Park Slope, Brooklyn or Financial District, New York, location or use the online scheduler to book an appointment.

Substance Abuse Q & A

What is substance abuse?

There are many different names for substance abuse, but often include several different components, including abuse, addiction, and dependency, prompting the American Psychiatric Association to classify them all under substance use disorder.

Whatever the name, the problems that come with substance abuse, which is the harmful use of psychoactive substances, are myriad, which is why the problem is classified as a chronic disease of the brain.

What are the signs of substance abuse?

Substance abuse, or substance use disorder, affects people in different ways, but there are telltale signs, including:

Uncontrolled cravings
The inability to regulate the use
The inability to stop the use
Needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect
Withdrawal symptoms if you stop
Choosing the substance over all other activities
Poor performance at work or school
Blackouts

The bottom line is that any use of a drug or alcohol that rewires your brain and interferes with your daily life is problematic.

What addictions are treatable?

Dr. Salvage treats many substance use problems, including:

Drug addiction, including opioids and cocaine
Alcohol addiction
Nicotine addiction
Sexual compulsion

Addiction of any kind rewires your brain, which prompts you to chase your substance of choice with increasing urgency, putting everything else in your life in peril.

What are the treatments for substance abuse?

Substance abuse, or substance use disorder, is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit, which means that treating the problem requires an approach that addresses all three of these areas. Dr. Salvage understands the nature of addiction and offers his patients a wide range of pharmacologic and psychological tools to combat addictive behavior.

For opioid addiction, Dr. Salvage is certified to administer Suboxone, which helps people gradually wean themselves off the drug without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

During your initial consultation with Dr. Salvage, he begins with a thorough assessment of your addiction and recommends an appropriate treatment plan. Dr. Salvage respects the wide range of experiences that each of his patients has had and tailors his treatment to fit your unique situation, whether you’re a chronic relapser or you’re taking your first tentative step in addressing your problem.

Dr. Salvage is committed to working with you at your own pace in a nonjudgmental, compassionate, and confidential environment. To get help with your substance abuse, call David Salvage, MD, FAPM, or use the online scheduler.

What we offer