For your convenience, our most common questions are answered right here.
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Q: What is Sisu, anyway?
A: Sisu is a Finnish word which loosely translated means stoic determination, grit, bravery, resilience, and hardiness, and is held by Finns themselves to express their national character. It is generally considered have no literal translation into English. “Having guts” is pretty close, as the word derives from “Sisus”, which means something inner or interior.
Sisu is about taking action against the odds and displaying courage and resoluteness in the face of adversity. Deciding on a course of action and then sticking to that decision against repeated failures is Sisu. It’s something every person struggling with addiction or chronic pain needs.
Q: What kinds of insurance do you take?
A: So that the big insurance companies do not dictate your medical treatment, we do not accept medical insurance as a form of payment for your visits. However, we can help you submit your office receipts for reimbursement from your insurance, potentially significantly decreasing your out-of-pocket expense. You can use your insurance for payment of your medication and lab costs.
Q: How long are your appointments?
A: Initial visits are 60-90 minutes long. It takes that long to learn about each other, discuss your current situation, identify your treatment goals, consider your options, and discuss what your next steps may be. All of this is done in plain English, not confusing Doctor Speak.
Q: Will you prescribe buprenorphine without the naltrexone if I’m not pregnant?
A: No.
Q: How long will I need to be in treatment?
A: Everyone is different. Everyone has a different history, different issues, different wants, different needs, different obstacles, and different goals. Although the rules and guidelines are the same for everyone, each patient is treated as an individual and receives individualized care. Addiction is a lifelong illness like any other chronic disease. That does not mean that your treatment must continue forever, but it does mean that your addiction must be respected for the rest of your life.
Q: How long have you been doing this? What kind of experience do you have?
A: Dr. Kozma has been treating addiction and pain management patients since 2002. He started working with Dr. Stanley Evans during medical residency and has dedicated his professional career to treating those with pain and addiction issues ever since. Over the years Dr. Kozma has worked at the former Mercy Recovery Center; become Board Certified by the American Board of Addiction Medicine; practiced outpatient medicine for 13 years at the office of Dr. Stanley Evans; has been the Medical Director for Crooked River Counseling in Norway/S. Paris, Maine; has been an educational speaker on all types of addiction-related topics; and helped hundreds and hundreds of people free themselves from the shackles of addiction.
Q: How much will my visits cost?
A: Compared to active drug use, we are a bargain. Your first visit is 60-90 minutes long and will cost $250. Each followup visit is 30 minutes long and will also cost $250. Again, we do not accept insurance but we can help you submit your office receipts for reimbursement from your insurance.
Q: Will Medication Treatment for opioid use this stop withdrawal and cravings?
Q: How often are follow-ups?
Q: What if I’m not ready for total abstinence yet?
New FAQ’s to be answered soon.
Do I have to quit completely, or can I start by cutting back?
How do I know if I “really” have an alcohol problem?
Can medication help if I’m not ready for abstinence yet?
What medication is best for cravings? (and how do you choose between options?)
Will these medications make me sick if I drink?
How quickly will I notice a difference?
How long do people typically stay on medication?
Are these medications safe with antidepressants or anxiety medications?
What if I have liver issues or other medical conditions?
Do I need counseling or AA/SMART Recovery for medication to work?
What if I slip and drink—am I kicked out of treatment?
How often are appointments and follow-ups?
Will my primary care provider be kept in the loop? (with my consent)
Is this confidential? Will it show up in my medical record/insurance?