Dr. Janet Cox of Synapse Addresses Buckhead Business Association

From BBA: At a recent Buckhead Business Association meeting, Dr. Janet Cox, founder of the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) clinic in Buckhead, Synapse, LLC., addressed the opioid crisis in America among other addictions that are currently plaguing our nation.

The audience asked very pertinent questions about addictions such as how to spot it. “Bloodshot eyes, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and deterioration of physical appearance are physical warning signs of drug abuse,” said Dr. Cox. “There are also several behavioral warning signs like engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors, sudden change in friends, hangouts and hobbies, and loss of control over drug use.” Dr. Cox also spoke about how Synapse stands out from other clinics across the country. Driven by deep concern about the rates of relapse following treatment, Dr. Cox perceived the need to bridge neuroscientific theory and technology into the clinical practice of treating substance abuse. She created a comprehensive and personalized system of care because very few treatment centers in our country offer that type of approach. It is the integration of neuroscientific principles into a personalized system of care that sets Synapse apart from the rest of the field. Dr. Cox helps treat addiction and brain disorders with researched based technology and a more holistic approach to the clinical practice of treating substance abuse. She also talked about addiction in general and how the brain’s desire for pleasure leads to smoking, gambling, alcohol, sex, video gaming and even the latest addiction to the smartphone.

Addiction as defined in the dictionary is, “the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity.” The American Society of Addiction Medicine’s short definition of addiction is as follows: “Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors.” “Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death,” says Dr. Cox. Dr. Cox’s extensive knowledge about addiction has caught the attention of the AJC, Simply Buckhead, BuckHaven Lifestyle Magazine and Northside Neighbor. She has been featured in all of these publications and continues to gain attention for her helpful insight and Synpase’s high success rate. As a speaker, Dr. Cox provides valuable information on this crisis that is plaguing our society. To get in touch with Janet for speaking engagements or interviews, please contact Amanda Brown-Olmstead or Eric Fisher at (404) 659-0919 or amanda@newaboa.com.

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