Plain-talk
explanations
Evidence-based
options
Respectful,
judgment-free care
Coordinated with
your care team
OPOID USE DISORDER TREATMENT
Recovery from heroin and opioid addiction can include medication support—but it doesn’t have to. Medication can make a real difference for cravings and withdrawal, yet it’s only one piece of care and it isn’t the right fit for everyone. At Sisu Health, we tailor treatment to the individual and, when appropriate, pair medication with counseling, therapy, self-help, and other supports.
There isn’t a quick fix for addiction. What we can offer is steady, practical help: clear explanations, straight answers in plain English, and a plan that moves at a pace that protects your safety and supports your goals.
What to expect at Sisu Health
- A respectful evaluation focused on your history, current needs, safety, and goals
- Full, plain-language explanations of treatment options (benefits, risks, alternatives, and what success looks like)
- A plan that can include medication, counseling/therapy supports, and relapse prevention strategies
- Ongoing follow-up with adjustments based on how you’re doing—because the plan should fit you, not the other way around
Medication treatment options we consider
- We offer a range of medication approaches depending on your situation, history, and goals:
- Buprenorphine/naloxone startup- Helping you begin treatment safely and comfortably when buprenorphine is appropriate.
- Buprenorphine/naloxone maintenance (Suboxone®, Zubsolv®)- Ongoing medication management to reduce cravings/withdrawal and support stability.
- Buprenorphine/naloxone taper or discontinuation- If your goal is to reduce or stop medication, we can plan a thoughtful taper with monitoring and support.
- Methadone-to-buprenorphine conversion- Transition planning and medical oversight to move from methadone to buprenorphine when clinically appropriate.
- Methadone maintenance (chronic pain only)- Methadone maintenance may be considered only in the presence of chronic pain, with careful monitoring.
- Naltrexone treatment/maintenance- A non-opioid medication option that may be appropriate for certain patients and recovery goals.
Common questions
- Will this stop withdrawal and cravings? See answer.
- How often are follow-ups? See answer.
- What if I’m not ready for total abstinence yet? See answer.
For Referring Providers
We offer a dependable outpatient pathway for opioid use disorder treatment, with:
- Clear scope of care and monitoring expectations
- Coordination and updates with patient consent
- Support for transitions (ED/hospital discharge, post-detox planning, or re-engagement after relapse)
ALCOHOL USE DISORDER TREATMENT
Recovery from alcohol addiction can be supported with medication, depending on your health history and what you’re trying to achieve—cutting back, stopping, or preventing relapse. Medication isn’t the whole plan and it isn’t right for everyone, but for many people it can reduce cravings and make early recovery more manageable. When medication is a fit, we prescribe it alongside counseling, therapy, self-help, and other supports.
What to expect at Sisu Health
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A thorough, respectful evaluation and a clear plan based on your goals
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Straight answers about benefits, risks, side effects, and alternatives
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Ongoing follow-up with adjustments based on how you’re doing
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Coordination with your care team when helpful (with your permission)
Medication treatment options we consider
We’ll walk you through each choice in plain English—how it works, what results to expect, and what to watch for.
- Naltrexone (pill or injection)- Helps reduce cravings and can decrease heavy drinking. Available as a daily tablet or a monthly injection.
- Acamprosate- Supports abstinence by helping with ongoing withdrawal symptoms and improving stability in recovery.
- Antabuse (disulfiram)- A deterrent option for people who want extra accountability and are committed to avoiding alcohol.
Common questions
- Do I have to quit completely, or can I start by cutting back? See answer.
- Which medication is right for me—and what should I expect? (cravings, side effects, timeline) See answer.
- What happens if I slip and drink—does that mean treatment won’t work? See answer.
For Referring Providers
We provide guideline-aligned medication management for alcohol use disorder, with clear follow-up and coordination with other treating clinicians as appropriate and with patient consent.
SMOKING CESSATION TREATMENT
Nicotine dependence is often treated with counseling and behavior change—but medication can also improve your chances of staying nicotine-free long term. At Sisu Health, we keep it practical: we’ll help you build a plan you can follow, explain options in plain English, and adjust as you go.
What to expect at Sisu Health
- A quick but thorough review of your nicotine use pattern (smoking, vaping, chewing) and triggers
- A realistic goal: quit date, gradual reduction, or “first step” plan
- Clear guidance on how to use medications correctly (and what to do if side effects show up)
- Follow-ups to fine-tune the plan and keep momentum through cravings and setbacks
Medication treatment options we consider
- We’ll review what’s most appropriate for your history, preferences, and health profile—and we’ll be clear about what to expect.
- Chantix (varenicline)- Helps reduce cravings and the “reward” from nicotine. We’ll review timing, common side effects, and how to use it safely.
- Wellbutrin (bupropion)- Can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms for some people, especially when paired with a structured quit plan.
- Nicotine patches- A steady baseline of nicotine to reduce withdrawal while you break the habit pattern.
- Nicotine gum- Useful for breakthrough cravings and trigger moments—often paired with patches for better control.
- Tricks and tools of the trade- Practical strategies for cravings, routines, stress, social situations, and relapse prevention (because real life is where quitting happens).
Common questions
- Do I have to quit all at once, or can I taper down? See answer.
- Which works better—Chantix, Wellbutrin, or nicotine replacement? See answer.
- What if stress is my biggest trigger? See answer.
- If I slip, do I start over? See answer.
For Referring Providers
We provide evidence-based nicotine dependence treatment that can be coordinated with primary care, behavioral health, and substance use recovery care as appropriate and with patient consent—especially when nicotine use overlaps with anxiety, chronic pain, or early recovery.
CHRONIC PAIN MEDICATION MANAGEMENT
Yes—we can help with your pain, whether or not you have a history of addiction. At Sisu Health, we handle chronic pain medication management (we don’t perform procedures like injections). Our role is to help you land on a safer, more effective medication plan and to walk you through the options in plain English.
A lot of practices prefer not to manage pain medications. We do this work every day—carefully, ethically, and in line with current guidelines. And because chronic pain and substance use often intersect, we’re also comfortable supporting patients who are dealing with both, including those transitioning between pain management and addiction treatment.
What to expect at Sisu Health
- A careful review of your pain history, current medications, and what’s been tried before
- Clear goals focused on function (sleep, work, mobility, daily life), not just a number on a pain scale
- A step-by-step medication plan with clear expectations around follow-up and monitoring
- Support for complex situations—especially when pain management and addiction treatment intersect
Medication treatment options we consider
Your plan depends on your diagnosis, goals, history, and safety considerations. Options may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Nerve pain medications
- Antidepressants (because pain signals and the nervous system are closely linked)
- Opioid medications (when appropriate, with careful monitoring)
- Buprenorphine / Suboxone (in some pain and/or opioid-dependence situations)
Common questions
- Do you prescribe opioids—and if so, what does monitoring look like? See answer.
- Can you help if I have pain and a substance use history? See answer.
- Can you help me taper safely? See answer.
- What if I’ve tried everything and nothing has worked? See answer.
For Referring Providers
We provide medication-focused chronic pain management (no procedures), including:
- Shared-care coordination and clear documentation (with patient consent)
- Support for patients transitioning between pain management and addiction treatment
- Ethical, guideline-aligned opioid stewardship and taper planning when clinically appropriate
OSTEOPATHIC MANIPULATIVE TREATMENT (OMT)
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is hands-on care provided by an osteopathic physician (DO). It’s used to improve mobility, ease muscle and joint pain, and reduce tension patterns that can keep pain “stuck.” OMT is often helpful on its own—and it can also be a strong complement to medication management, physical therapy, and other treatment plans.
What to expect at Sisu Health
- A focused evaluation of posture, movement, and pain patterns
- A clear explanation of what we’re seeing and what we’re treating
- Hands-on techniques tailored to your comfort level and clinical needs
- Practical guidance for what to do next (home strategies, follow-up timing, and when to consider other supports)
Who OMT may help
OMT is commonly used for:
- Neck and back pain
- Muscle tightness, stiffness, and limited range of motion
- Postural strain and overuse injuries
- Headache or tension patterns related to muscle and joint dysfunction
- Rib, shoulder, hip, or pelvic discomfort (depending on evaluation)
How it fits into your care plan
OMT can be used as:
- A non-medication option for musculoskeletal pain
- A way to support function and mobility while other treatments are underway
- Part of a broader plan when pain overlaps with stress, sleep issues, or recovery work
Common questions
- Does OMT hurt? See answer.
- How many sessions do people usually need? See answer.
- Is OMT the same as chiropractic care? See answer.
- Can I do OMT if I’m also in PT or taking medications? See answer.
For Referring Providers
OMT is a non-procedural, non-surgical option that can complement PT, primary care, and pain management plans. With patient consent, we can coordinate care and provide documentation that supports a shared treatment strategy.