Founder
Dr. Roland Segal is a leading psychiatrist with extensive experience and is the Managing Partner and MD Psychiatrist at Legacy Recovery Center. After earning his medical degree from the University of Arizona, College of Medicine, he completed general psychiatry training at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, and advanced his expertise through a forensic psychiatry fellowship at USC’s Keck School of Medicine.
With over a decade of diverse experience in clinical, administrative, and forensic psychiatry, Dr. Segal is double board-certified in General and Forensic Psychiatry. His previous roles include Chief Medical Officer at Valley Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, and president of the Arizona Psychiatric Society. He has also served as the legislative committee chair and contributed to numerous state and national boards, committees, and organizations. Additionally, Dr. Segal teaches as a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Arizona, College of Medicine, mentoring medical students and residents.
Dr. Segal acts as an expert psychiatry consultant for multiple superior and regional courts, including those in Maricopa and Yuma counties, Salt River, as well as city governments like Phoenix, Lake Havasu, and Mesa. He also consults for prominent organizations such as the United States Postal Service, Social Security Administration, Immigration Health Services, and the U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security.
Guided by principles of objectivity, ethics, mindfulness, and cultural awareness, Dr. Segal remains dedicated to providing compassionate, inclusive psychiatric care, impacting lives across Arizona and beyond.
The opioid crisis continues to impact millions across the United States, leaving devastation in its wake. Every day, families are torn apart, and lives are lost to the gripping effects of opioid addiction and treatment challenges. At Legacy Recovery Center, we understand the struggles associated with opioid use and provide compassionate care to help individuals reclaim their lives.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a powerful class of drugs derived from the opium plant or synthesized in labs. They include prescription pain relievers like hydrocodone, fentanyl, and oxycodone, as well as illicit substances like heroin. While these medications are critical for managing pain in medical settings, their potential for misuse makes them highly dangerous. Understanding the nature of opioids is the first step toward breaking free from their grip.
Symptoms of Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction manifests through a range of physical and behavioral symptoms, often making it challenging to identify and address without professional support. Common signs include:
- Persistent drowsiness and mental fog.
- Gastrointestinal issues like constipation or nausea.
- Shallow breathing or slowed heart rate.
- Behavioral changes such as withdrawal from loved ones or neglecting responsibilities.
At its core, addiction impacts not only the body but also the mind, fostering compulsive behaviors that require comprehensive care for lasting recovery.
Preventing Overdose and Saving Lives
One of the most critical risks of opioid addiction is the potential for overdose. Recognizing the warning signs can save lives. Symptoms of an opioid overdose include:
- Extremely small pupils (pinpoint pupils).
- Shallow or stopped breathing.
- Unresponsiveness or loss of consciousness.
We encourage individuals and families to equip themselves with naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses temporarily until medical help arrives. Empowering families with knowledge and resources is a cornerstone of our approach to care.
For more information on overdose prevention and naloxone, visit the CDC’s Opioid Overdose Prevention page.
What Causes Opioid Addiction and Treatment Needs?
Opioid addiction develops due to a combination of factors, including:
- Biological Factors: Genetic predisposition and physical tolerance.
- Psychological Factors: Stress, trauma, or co-occurring mental health conditions.
- Environmental Factors: Access to prescription opioids, peer influence, or economic hardship.
Understanding these underlying causes helps us create individualized treatment plans tailored to each client’s needs.
Treatment Options for Opioid Addiction
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) are a proven component of effective treatment. At Legacy Recovery Center, we incorporate FDA-approved medications like:
- Methadone and Buprenorphine: These help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms without causing a high, giving individuals the stability to focus on recovery.
- Naltrexone: This medication blocks the euphoric effects of opioids, serving as a relapse prevention tool for those in the later stages of recovery.
When used alongside therapy, MOUD provides a foundation for rebuilding lives and restoring hope.
Healing Through Therapy
We believe in treating the whole person. Therapeutic counseling offers individuals a way to rebuild emotional and mental well-being. Our programs include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Teaching coping strategies to manage stress and resist triggers.
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy: Strengthening an individual’s commitment to recovery goals.
- Family Therapy: Helping repair relationships and fostering a strong support network.
Each therapy session is tailored to address the unique challenges faced by our clients, ensuring a personalized path to long-term recovery.
Residential and Hospital-Based Care
For individuals needing intensive support, residential treatment provides a structured, safe environment for healing. Our residential programs combine evidence-based therapies, medical care, and peer support to empower clients on their recovery journey. From managing withdrawal symptoms to building healthy routines, our programs offer comprehensive care designed to promote lasting change.
Educational Resources and Support
Recovery extends beyond the treatment center. We provide access to a variety of resources to support clients and their families, including:
- Peer support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous.
- Case management services to address housing, employment, or transportation needs.
- Educational materials to increase understanding of opioid addiction and recovery.
Opioid Addiction Treatment at Legacy Recovery Center
Breaking free from opioids is a challenging journey, but it’s one that no one has to face alone. At Legacy Recovery Center, we draw upon over 40 years of experience to provide personalized care that targets each individual’s needs.
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, contact us today to take the first step toward recovery. Because every life is worth saving.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Opioid Overdose Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/opioid-overdose/prevention/index.html
