Controlled Substance Policy
Due to the recent increase in controlled substance overdose and related deaths, Artistic Psychiatric Associates takes the prescribing of controlled substances very seriously. We practice holistically, caring for the whole person rather than just a diagnosis. We care deeply for our clients and want only the best in care and recovery. Considering this, Artistic Psychiatric Associates has a strict controlled substance policy that every client must sign and adhere to.
We understand that all medications serve a purpose for our clients, but it is our desire to provide the very best, safest, and most effective care. We adhere to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) requirements for controlled substance prescriptions and follow all rules and regulations they have established. For more information, please visit the DEA website at https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/index.html.
We use the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) or Eforsce report for each client. In addition, we may require a full set of vital signs and completed drug screen test prior to the prescribing of any controlled substance. We also reserve the right to drug test any client at any time upon the request of the servicing provider.
We encourage all of our clients, new and established, to review our policy and research all controlled substances you are prescribed or may be prescribed for efficacy and safety. Please review our policy in the new patient paperwork, and if you have further questions, please contact our office directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a controlled substance?
These are medications that pose serious health risks including addiction and potential overdose, where dispensing is tightly controlled by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
What controlled substances are prescribed by Artistic Psychiatric Associates providers?
The medications include Schedule II-V medications depending on the provider's assessment. It is at the provider's discretion to prescribe these or other non-controlled agents depending upon the client's individual needs.
Do I have to sign a contract to receive controlled substance medications?
Yes. This is a mandatory contract to ensure our clients are aware of the potential risks associated with controlled substances, the requirements of continued treatment, and the handling of potential issues including loss, theft, and criminal involvement.
How long does a drug test take?
Results from drug screen tests often take 48 to 72 hours (up to 3 days) for our office to receive results.
What if my drug test comes back positive?
At Artistic Psychiatric Associates, we want to help our clients heal and have lasting improvement. This situation is handled on a case by case basis. Please see our policy for more details.
When will I get my prescription?
Our controlled substances are sent electronically to an established pharmacy as requested by the client. They are typically received within minutes by the pharmacy and processed as supplies are available by the individual pharmacies.
If I start a new controlled substance, when can I expect my prescription to be sent?
Any client receiving a new controlled substance may be asked to complete a drug screen. Results of drug screens take typically between two to three business days. If the prescription is sent electronically, it arrives at the pharmacy within minutes.
What if I need to change my pharmacy?
Approval to change the established pharmacy is at the discretion of the prescribing provider. Often, when pharmacies are “out” of a medication, the provider may grant a request to an alternate pharmacy to ensure the client receives their medications.
What if I am Pregnant?
The prescribing of controlled substances is NOT recommended during pregnancy. The prescribing of these substances will be at the discretion of the individual prescribing provider. If you are currently taking a controlled substance and have recently become pregnant, please contact your Obstetric (OB) provider and Artistic Psychiatric Associates provider immediately. DO NOT stop your medication abruptly, as this can cause potential withdrawal symptoms.
What are withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines and stimulants?
Withdrawal symptoms occur when a person abruptly stops a medication they had previously been taking.
Symptoms vary between individual patients but some of the most common withdrawal symptoms associated with benzodiazepine medications include sleep disturbance, irritability, increased tension and anxiety, panic attacks, hand tremor, sweating, difficulty with concentration, confusion and cognitive difficulty, memory problems, dry retching and nausea, weight loss, palpitations, headache, muscular pain and stiffness, perceptual changes, hallucinations, seizures, and psychosis. Never abruptly stop a benzodiazepine. Always consult with your prescribing provider to establish a safe taper plan.
When a person stops using stimulants, they may experience a series of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Often, the physical and mental effects that present during a withdrawal of a stimulant resemble a near-opposite of the substance’s primary effects. This means that stimulants, which normally provide feelings of enhanced mood, energy, and focus, have a potential withdrawal period that is characterized by feelings of depression, low energy, poor focus, and lethargy. In most cases, stimulant withdrawal does not produce life-threatening effects and many times does not produce any withdrawal effects at all.