Speaker Name: Dr. Marcin Parakoyi
Session Description:
Early recovery from substance use disorders is frequently associated with psychological symptoms including anxiety, irritability, insomnia, depressive mood, and cognitive difficulties. These symptoms may reflect neurobiological adaptation following cessation of substance use and often improve over time as reward and stress systems stabilize. However, clinicians working in addiction treatment settings are often faced with the challenge of determining when psychiatric symptoms represent expected recovery-related phenomena and when they may signal a co-occurring or primary mental disorder. Misattribution in either direction may result in unnecessary pharmacologic treatment or delayed recognition of significant psychiatric illness. This presentation will review common psychiatric symptoms encountered during early recovery, explore factors that may help distinguish expected recovery patterns from more concerning presentations, and discuss clinical situations in which psychiatric consultation may be warranted.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify common psychological symptoms experienced during early recovery from substance use disorders, including anxiety, insomnia, irritability, depressive mood, and cognitive changes.
- Describe the neurobiological processes that contribute to psychological symptoms during early recovery as the brain’s reward and stress systems stabilize.
- Distinguish between psychiatric symptoms that are typical during early recovery and those that may indicate a co-occurring or primary mental health disorder.
- Recognize clinical situations in which further psychiatric assessment or consultation may be warranted in addiction treatment settings.
BIO
Dr. Marcin Tokumbo Parakoyi is a dedicated Psychiatrist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in adults, and may see older adolescents for certain conditions. Practicing at a mental health clinic or hospital department in Ponoka, AB, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. He provides comprehensive psychiatric care, including diagnostic assessment, medication management, and psychotherapeutic interventions for a variety of conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders. His practice is committed to providing confidential and respectful mental health care, fostering a safe space for patients to explore their concerns and work towards recovery and well-being.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Nigeria and holds specialty certification as a Psychiatrist. He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Psychiatry (Comprehensive Mental Health Care) in AB, adhering to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).
Dr. Parakoyi’s clinical philosophy emphasizes collaborative care, patient empowerment through education and understanding, and evidence-based treatment approaches. He is dedicated to providing personalized mental health services to patients in Ponoka, fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. Additionally, he speaks Yoruba in addition to English, facilitating communication with a broader range of patients and ensuring culturally sensitive care.