List of Doctors that will be helpful?

[_If_]

Hello all, and belated Happy New Year!!! I have been reading this forum for about 6 months now while hiding quietly in unregistered-userland. You have all helped both me and my boyfriend more than I could put into words, so thank you all so much! Although we are on our third "quit" from Meth (sober date, 1 December 2004 with two slip-ups), he and I both believe that this is the one that will succeed, and we could not be more excited about the future!

Anyway, as we are not in any formal rehab (although, we have made a promise to each other - if there is one more slip up, off to rehab for both of us!), I was hoping that maybe some of you could give me a suggestion as to the best way to find a new Primary Care Physician. My boyfriend was not in the best of health before meth crept into his life, and the last 2 1/2 years has done nothing but deteriorate that condition even further. I don't have quite as good of an excuse, I was an enormously athletic person and the picture of health, and should have known better (of course, shouldn't we all have!).

Anyway, we have identified "getting back into shape" as one of the key factors on our road to recovery. However, with his health problems from before, and God only knows what new ones both he and I have acquired along the way, we decided that both of us need to find a good Dr and get a full physical prior to jumping headfirst into any physical activities.

I have done a little searching on the web for a list of "addict friendly" physicians, and really wasn't able to find anything like that posted (go figure =) ). Anyway, we are just looking to find a Dr. that not only will *not* be judgemental of our past, but will be somewhat familiar with treating ex-addicts (meth in particular), and will also know what to look for incase of relapse. Anyway, since I have not posted my city and state, I am not expecting any of you to just hand me the magic list but perhaps you might have some suggestions as to where to start looking? I tried narcotics anonymous and a couple other rehab sites, but it seemed to me that many of them 1) wouldn't recommend a Dr. who wasn't part of their organization, and 2) would want you to join, attend the meetings or their rehab, etc. That seems a little too partisian (if that is the right word) to me. Thanks for tolerating the long post, and any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated!!!

[eddie z.]

American Society of Addiction Medicine membership directory

I confess! I did not read your post, If. I couldn't. Type was too small. But you probably want an MD who is ASAM certified and this directory can tell you who is. Just select the state you live in, hit search, and maybe cross-reference with a phone book. I hope you find this helpful!
Love and hugs,
Eddie

[Jane63]

Welcome!!
Opps! I didn't read it either!!!

Maybe try an "Addictionologist"?

Best of luck to the both of you!
Jane

[_If_]

Thanks all for the suggestions, and sorry about the small text.... I was using my own text editor (I will edit the message to fix the text size and will use the one provided here from now on). But, the gist of what I was asking was - I need help finding a non-judgemental Dr. The last time we tried to discuss with our Physician, he just kinda gave us the "oh-your-a-junkie" look, and scribbled something on his notepad, and kinda brushed it off. That was a bad experience, and I don't want to repeat it =( I want to be able to discuss my addiction with a Dr who will understand, and know what extra medical conditions using might have caused and check them during a physical, and know how to spot it if we start using again (and refer us to detox / rehab). Thanks again for your suggestions, and I will let you know if I find anything!

[eddie z.]

You may be able to find a primary care doc through that ASAM link, but I think most of them are actually psychiatrists.

You wanna hear something really bad? I'm in healthcare, I go a meeting for healthcare professionals in recovery, and I don't have a primary care doc! Bad Eddie. Haven't had a physical since I went to treatment two years ago.

Maybe you could ask some people in NA. Are you doing meetings? If so, just ask some of the folks you've met who they see. That and checking with ASAM are pretty much all I can think of right now.

I just know I can't go back to the doctor I was seeing, because he is too "easy," if you know what I mean. Wish you both well!

Love and hugs,
Eddie