Stanford Primary Care’s Chemical Dependency Services offers Substance Use Disorder(s) treatment, including: (1) Withdrawal care for uncomplicated alcohol, opioid, cannabis, benzodiazepine, and stimulant use. (2) Medication treatment for AUD and OUD, including long acting injectables. (3) Medication tapering, uncomplicated dual diagnosis, behavioral addictions treatment and ongoing, long-term, recovery support that includes harm reduction. (4) Medical support when referred to a residential facility. Our aim is to integrate evidence-based Substance Use Disorder(s) care into routine primary care settings. Services are also available for those without substance use disorders who need guidance on tapering prescribed medications or transitioning to buprenorphine from full agonist opioids for chronic pain. Whenever possible, treatment is a team-based approach that encourages supportive alliances with other providers and family members.

Philosophy of care:

“The aim is to reduce harm, towards oneself and others; the practice of harm reduction is the practice of radical empathy and recovery is measured by any positive change.”

Undoing Drugs, by Maia Szalavitz: A History of Harm Reduction

Unbroken Brain, by Maia Szalavitz: Understanding Addictions as a Learning Disorder

Chwen-Yuen Angie Chen, MD
Program Director