A new psychiatry clinic in Mercer Island claims to provide the shortest and safest outpatient detox and addiction treatment for people suffering from withdrawal symptoms and cravings as a result of alcoholism or drug use.
Dr. Richard Repass is the owner and medical director of Revolution Psychiatric and Addiction Treatment. He has spent the last decade caring for patients struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. Much of his work is focused on adults with common mood problems — anxiety and depression, chemical dependency and various other disorders.
“I have learned through the years that substance abuse disorders are an integral part of the development of mental health disorders,” Repass said. “We live in a culture that is, in fact, alcoholic. It has taken me a long time to see through this.”
Revolution Psychiatric specializes in a natural, alternative method of detox for alcohol and chemical dependency. The treatment uses megadoses of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD), a coenzyme found in all living cells. NAD plays a crucial role in the chemical process of generating energy, especially in the brain.
The treatment is administered via intravenous infusion, which runs 10 to 15 days on an outpatient basis. That allows patients to return to their homes daily, he said.
“I want to know how to make the brain function best,” Repass said. “I have some pretty big tricks up my sleeve.” He explained that the clinic provides detox from alcohol, opioids, stimulants, marijuana and benzodiazepines.
The nutrient-based detoxification is used to replenish the supply of neurotransmitters and improve cognitive functioning, according to the website. The NAD helps return the brain to proper functioning and ultimately eases withdrawal from addictive substances. Similarly, the treatment can assist in overcoming anxiety, depression and stress.
Unlike other forms of prescribed medication, NAD brain restoration therapy avoids further addiction and side effects.
According to Repass, the treatment reverses NAD depletion and other forms of dysfunction. He explained that therapy can protect tissues, strengthen the immune system, repair DNA and increase lifespan. It also improves mood disorders by stimulating the production of dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline.
Repass also noted that deficiencies in NAD may lead to metabolic and degenerative diseases, such as obesity, type II diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Additionally, lacking the coenzyme could cause depression and anxiety.
Revolution Psychiatry requires a full diagnostic evaluation prior to treatment, including life experiences, genetic predispositions, and various other conditions. While NAD is not a cure for addiction, the therapy aims to extinguish cravings and leave the drug behind, Repass said.
NAD can also come in oral supplements to make people feel more consistent in their mood and behavior, he explained.
Repass wants Mercer Island residents to have access to alternative medical options. He encourages people to call if they have questions about any part of the process.
“I want to be a resource for the community for mental health and substance abuse problems,” he said. “It’s about really trying to serve the community and provide people with what they need.”
Dr. Richard Repass is the owner and medical director of Revolution Psychiatry. He has spent the last decade caring for patients who struggle with mental health illnesses and substance use disorders. Photo courtesy of Richard Repass
