The New Doc on the Block – Dr. Adrian Zamora
Launches Family Medicine Practice at NCH Northeast Dr. Adrian Zamora, NCH Physician Group Family Medicine has experienced the medical profession in ways many other physicians have not. While he was working his way toward earning his MD, he spent four years as an EMT, or Emergency Medical Technician, and an additional four years as an ER technician. Therefore, when he went to medical school, he appreciated firsthand how the subject material applied to the real world. “I knew why what I was learning was relevant,” says Dr. Zamora, and that has helped him to be empathetic and see treatment from the patient’s side. His variety of experiences led him to specialize in family medicine, in which he is board-certified. His hands-on training allows him to also offer minor procedures, including cryotherapy, steroid injections, and minor wound care right in his office.
That office is located at NCH Healthcare Northeast at the corner of Collier Blvd and Immokalee Rd in Naples. Dr. Zamora is a native of Chicago, earned his medical doctorate degree from the University of Illinois in Chicago, and completed his family medicine residency at the Loyola-MacNeal Family Practice Residence Program in Chicago. Dr. Zamora’s father came fromMexico, and Dr. Zamora lived in that country for six years while growing up, so he is fully fluent in Spanish as well as in English, making him an ideal choice for treating bilingual or Spanish- speaking patient families. With two small daughters at home, Dr. Zamora is attuned to children, and offers exam rooms equipped to their delight, but also specializes in treating all members of the family. “Being a parent helps you be a good family medicine doctor who takes care of kids,” he adds.
Dr. Adrian Zamora
Dr. Adrian Zamora, MD, NCH Physician Group is accepting new patients at 15420 Collier Blvd in Naples. To schedule an appointment, please call (239) 624-0600
What’s the Difference Between Addiction and Drug Dependence?
“This is a common question and one that is important to clarify," says Dr. Samuel K. Parish, MD, NCH Physician Group Family Medicine/Addiction Medicine. Dependence on a drug implies the physiologic changes that occur with regular use and predictable symptoms
drug are often unsuccessful,” says Dr. Parish. He explains that a good example of the difference between addiction and dependence is in babies born to mothers who have used
substances during pregnancy. There has never been a baby born an ‘addict’. If a mother uses substances such as opioids, benzodiazepines, cannabis, some antidepressants, tobacco products, or alcohol, the baby may develop symptoms of withdrawal after birth. This indicates dependence on the substance but not addiction. The baby shows no craving,
of withdrawal if the drug is discontinued. Dependence can occur with prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines for anxiety and opioids for pain control even when used appropriately as prescribed. Chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus may be dependent on medications for management, but those medications do not have withdrawal symptoms when discontinued, although the condition may worsen. Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. Addiction is characterized by craving to use the drug knowing the potential negative outcomes. Over time, the drug is taken in larger amounts to have the same effect and to avoid symptoms of withdrawal. Impairment in control over drug use affects personal and work life and relationships. “Continued use leads to risk-taking behaviors and attempts to reduce or stop the
Dr. Samuel Parish
compulsive drug seeking, risky behavior, or impaired control. The word ‘addict’ carries a great deal of stigma in our society and it should never be used when referring to a baby. “In summary, addiction involves dependence on a drug, but all drug dependence does not involve addiction,” notes Dr. Parish.
Dr. Samuel Parish’s offices are located at 800 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Suite 310, Naples. For more information, or to make an appointment, call 239-624-0870
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