Dr. Richard G. Soper, MD, JD, MS, ASAM, ABAM

Addiction Psychiatrist | Addiction Psychiatry

5/5(2)

110 29th Ave North Suite 300 Nashville TN, 37212 Show map

Write A Review

Rating

5/5

About
Contacts & Locations

About

Dr. Richard Soper is an Addiction Psychiatrist practicing in Nashville, TN. Dr. Soper evaluates, diagnoses, and treats people who suffer from impulse control conditions related to addiction. As an Addiction Psychiatrist, Dr. Soper is a substance abuse expert, and is trained to fully understand the biological science behind addiction, in order to properly treat each patient.

Education and Training

University of Tennessee HSC MD 1977

Board Certification

American Board of Addiction Medicine

Addiction Psychiatry (Psychiatry and Neurology)

Provider Details

Male English

Dr. Richard G. Soper, MD, JD, MS, ASAM, ABAM

Dr. Richard G. Soper, MD, JD, MS, ASAM, ABAM's Expert Contributions

My Latest Posts
My Answers

Gender Differences with Substance Use Disorder
There are significant ways in which substance use disorder differs between genders. Depression is more frequent in women than in men; addiction is more frequent in men than women, but if women have a problem of addiction or alcoholism, they may also have other psychiatric disorders like depression....
Unpleasant Truths About Opioids
Over the past few years, I've lost track of how many times the opioid epidemic has, in one way or another (Prince, Fentanyl; Tom Petty, Naltexone and Buprenorphine), found its way onto the front page news. What distinguishes this epidemic is not only its catastrophic toll—with hundreds of...
Stigma Kills
Why do families have to wait until their husbands, brothers, sons, or fathers die before they can talk about the disease that killed them? This past November, The National Academy of Sciences released the study “Rising morbidity and mortality in midlife among white non-Hispanic Americans in the...

What is the best way to stop alcohol addiction?
The hardest part you have accomplished, admitting you have a problem and seeking help. Stopping alcohol abuse is possible, rarely can it be achieved by sheer willpower. Even though, Nancy Reagan, bless her heart, said- just say no stopping alcohol abuse is best achieved like other chronic medical maladies with the guidance of a physician trained, experienced and qualified in substance use disorders ( aka addictions). You can find a list of such physicians at: American Society of Addiction medicine: (asam.org) website. Richard G Soper MD,JD, MS, ABAM, DFASAM READ MORE
Is yoga a good way to get rid of an addiction?
Very insightful of you. In the past twenty years the professional medical field has suddenly become aware of the age old practices of yoga and meditation. Both have been shown to be of significant benefit in treating medical maladies. My belief is that like all of us, anyone with a medical condition prefers to NOT be told what to do. Offer a suggestion or invite brother to consider the option of one tool amongst many that helps treat many medical conditions. Let him explore and decide, usually better chance of his accepting. Than-you for the empathy and concern you have for brother. Be patient and kind- he will need lots of love and support to change his life pattern. READ MORE
Can you fix drug addiction?
Your question is one I am frequently asked. Let’s start with terminology. “can you fix it” would suggest something is broken ergo someone broke it and there is blame. If you had asthma or high blood pressure,( other chronic medical conditions - like addiction is) we would not ask it it could be “fixed” rather can it be treated or brought into remission. Like diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure addiction causes bodily changes and all can be treated. There are several options for treatment and some are more effective than others. You are NOT broken and do NOT need fixing, you have a medical condition and need treatment. It shows strength of character and quality of person to be seeking help as you are. I suggest U consider going on the American Society of Addiction Medicine website and search for a physician member in your area. Make an appointment with that physician when ready and discuss treatment options. Serenity-Courage- Wisdom: Doc Soper READ MORE
Can you treat alcohol addiction?
Yes, alcohol abuse/ addiction can be treated . Healthcare insurance covers treatment for alcohol abuse or dependence. There are several options for treatment. Many factors are involved in designing the treatment protocol. I suggest U discuss with your family doctor who should be able to refer you or treat you. If referred seek a medical doctor that is certified in addiction medicine or addiction psychiatry or both. Go on websites ASAM.org and/or AAAP.org and find a member physician of one of those and contact that doctor. Serenity-Courage- Wisdom: Doc Soper READ MORE
Drug screening question.
Marijuana is fat soluble- meaning when used it rlands in/stores in our body fat. It takes 30 da to completely out of body. It can still be detected in hair samples for up to 6 mos. In sum, yes U will most likely test positive on urine drug screen for Thc, having used 16 da prior to test. READ MORE
Withdrawal
Contact the physician that took over the deceased doctors practice. If that is not possible urge you to get into a doctors office asap. U could be at risk for seizures. Provide same information to doctor, and take your last prescription bottle. Also, go to pharmacy whereU had script filled and get a copy of your past years prescription record to show the doctor. READ MORE
Why am I scared to ween off my bipolar medication?
That is a proper perspective - YOU should NOT wean off any psychotropic medications by yourself. READ MORE
Does taking antidepressants for years negatively affect your brain?
Generally, several years of therapy with an antidepressant should not have a negative impact. If there has been a sudden change in his behavior, you might want to notify the physician who could evaluate you son for a possible reason. Most likely, the physician would consider whether the symptoms are due to the antidepressant. If your son has expressed a concern or desire to stop taking the medication, again, discus that with the physician. A sudden stop in dosing of an antidepressant can have negative consequences. READ MORE
How do nicotine patches work?
Yes, they work about 66% of the time over a 3-4 month continuous use. The patch will assist in gradual tapering of nicotine. When paired with the gum the success rate for sustained abstinence goes up to nearly 80%. The patches deliver continuous nicotine while adhered to your skin, There are several brands and generic patches available. The patches come in 3 different strengths. I usually suggest the patient taper to a pack of cigarettes or less per day prior to using the patch or patch/gum combo. Do not get frustrated if the first time of use you feel the continued craving to smoke. There are two components to cigarette smoking- nicotine and the behavioral ritual. Early in treat teen with the patch being used, you may find you miss holding or touching the cigarette. There is no restriction to only using one patch, Try to find the dosage that allows you to manage the day without “needing” a cigarette. It might take two patches, The patch strength is 21, 14, and 7 micrograms. Suggest you start with the 21. Put on in the morning and take off before bed. I have had several patients tell me the generic is just as effective but can be more variable in regards to labeled strength and actual strength. READ MORE
My husband is trying to quit smoking. How can I help him?
BE supportive, if you have internet access use your search engine (Safari, Google or other) there’re are abundant sites for support to unit smoking. Suggest he consider seeing his physician to discuss the options, patch, pill, gum, lozenges or combination. Discuss gradually restricting the locations where smokes, (ie- NOT inside home, in the car, in the garage) DO not buy cartons, it discounts monitoring per day use. Discuss with him the significant health benefits to stopping nicotine use. Be patient and supportive- it takes time and is a progressive weaning/tapering. READ MORE
I'm concerned about how much my brother drinks. Is there anything I can do?
Thank you for your bravery and empathy to reach out for help. You can stay non-judgmental and resolves to help him. Hopefully, he can acknowledge he has an alcohol problem. One very good and simple screen tool is CAGE: C- Have you tried to CONTROL your drinking and been unable to? A- Have others been ANGRY with you about your drinking? G- Have you felt GUILTY about your drinking? E- Have you ever needed an EYEOPENER? Score yes=1, no=0 If the total score is more than 1, there is a problem with alcohol drinking, and seeking help is appropriate. If he has a primary care physician, that doctor can help. If employed, many employers human resource department can assist. If he has healthcare insurance, that company can assist in seeking help, and many communities have Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anom group meetings which can be resources for help. Serenity, Courage, Wisdom, Doc S. READ MORE
What should I do to curb my withdrawal symptoms from smoking?
Congratulations for taking a very significant step towards reducing your risk for negative health. Nicotine cessation is difficult. Withdrawal symptoms are nearly always experienced. An abrupt quit is the method some individuals chose, but usually has more severe withdrawal symptoms. I would suggest (1)- discussing with your primary care physician, since there are medical options available. (2) you might consult the internet, several good websites are available for nicotine cessation, one being , stop smoking.com. (3) there are over the counter several aids to assist with reducing the withdrawal symptoms, including nicotine gum, nicotine lozenges, and nicotine skin patches. Combining the patch and gum has nearly a 80% success rate for stable abstinence, when used in combination for several months. (4) Avoid using a "vap" as the literature is continuing to develop that "vaping" causes significant lung damage, and last week the first death attributed to vaping was reported. Be patient, it is not a failure if you slip and have a recurrent use, stay with the goal of nicotine abstinence. Continue with progress, and you will get there. Doc S READ MORE
How can I stop my husband from drinking?
You can be of help by first discussing with him and determine if he acknowledges the problem. One of the Screening tools is "CAGE"- 1- "CUT" back: has he tried and not been able to; 2-are family and friends "ANGRY" with his drinking; 3- does he feel GUILTY for drinking 4- Does he need an EYEOPENER drink to start the day. If one is positive his drinking is a problem. If more than one is positive- he needs help. You might discuss with your primary care physician what the options are for helping him. Most communities now have an physician-addiction medicine specialist with whom you could seek help. Contact the local medical association to obtain information. Most communities also have recovery groups, or known as 12 step groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous which can also be resourced. You might also consider a 12c step support group, Al-Anon, which is for partners and family of individuals suffering form the medical disorder of alcohol dependence. Be patient and realize it is a medical disorder, not a character defect. READ MORE
How should I counsel my husband to stop drinking alcohol?
Your initial concern is the first step, try to avoid anger and frustration. I would strongly urge him to discuss with his primary care physician or a qualified addiction medicine specialist. Treatment options are available. One method of finding a specialist is to call your local or state medical association, or search websites like “find a top doc” Also, I suggest you remember to do some self care. One of the available community resources for family members of an alcoholic dependent person is Al-Anon. You can find locations and time for Al-Anon meetings on the internet or check your local phone book. Serenity- Courage- Wisdom; Doc S READ MORE
Is hospitalization required to treat alcohol addiction?
Alcohol use disorder can be treated on out patient basis depending on the complexity of patients clinical presentation (how they are at the time of evaluation). To determine if treatment can be on an out patient basis, must be evaluated first to determine if hospitalization is necessary. The severity of the consequences of alcohol use usually require. Some blood testing for such things as vitamin B, folic acid, liver enzymes, and so forth. Substance use disorder is now covered by most all health care insurance and cannot be refused to be treated as a prior existing condition. READ MORE
Is sex addiction in women normal?
The current diagnostic manual for pscchiatry doesn’t have a diagnosis for sex addiction. The diagnosis currently accepted is, impulse control disorder. It is a subjective assumption for any of us to label someone’s behavior as an addiction when they happen to have a frequency of participation different than ours. If your wife is maintaining a monogamous relationship but simply has a desire for more frequent intimacy than yours, I’d suggest open candid and considerate dialogue between the two of you and/or with a qualified professional to assess whether there could be changes each of you consider to improve and enhance your continuing relationship Anxiety, depression, and substance abuse commonly co-occur with impulse control disorders, which formally include kleptomania, pyromania, and intermittent explosive disorder. Impulse control disorders are closely tied to conduct and disruptive disorders, and considered in the same chapter in the newest DSM, the DSM-5.Oct 14, 2018 READ MORE
Can you get withdrawal from suboxone?
Yes, there can be withdrawal symptoms from tapering/weaning off buprenorphine (suboxone) I would suggest discussing with the prescribing physician your symptoms. There are other medications that can assist for the tapering period if you are experiencing insomnia, restless legs, diarrhea, muscle and bone aches, and mood changes. READ MORE
What are some signs that someone is using flakka?
Flakka is one of the synthetic stimulants and a cathinone (“bath salts”). Alpha-PVP produces a rush of dopamine in the brain, causing an intense high similar to that of cocaine and methamphetamine. Flakka enhances energy, alertness, and mood. But it can also cause agitated delirium and sometimes results in psychiatric hospitalization. Symptoms (effects) can occur within 5-15 min after use and last three to six hours. Effects include, but are not limited to: -Profuse sweating -Disorientation -Paranoia -Extreme agitation -Delusions -Panic attacks -Severe hallucinations -Slurred speech -High body temperature READ MORE
I am addicted to junk food. Should I see an addiction psychiatrist?
Thank you for your bravery and seeking advice. If you have constant thoughts (cravings) with continuing life consequences from the behavior, yet still seek the item or object and simply cannot get enough of it, that meets the criteria for addiction. 1- More and more of your time and daily routine is spent thinking, procuring, consuming them cycle back to thinking, procuring.... 2- Despite negative life consequences you continue us to participate in the behavior 3- You simply cannot get enough, or are developing tolerance you most likely have an addiction. I would suggest to you, it is not uncommon to become addicted to food (the category or type is secondary). Food addiction is very prevalent in our culture, frequently clustered with other self harming behaviors such as too little food (anorexia) or purging after consuming (bulimia) all categorized as having an eating disorder. I would agree with your query and advise you to seek help from a health care professional qualified and experienced with eating disorders. There are also 12-step recovery groups for eating disorders you can access. READ MORE
My daughter is now celebrating 5 years of sobriety. What are the chances she could go back to bad habits?
Addiction is a chronic medical disorder, like hypertension or diabetes. Thus, while in remission with your daughter, congratulations to her, it can have a recurrence. Things to “watch for”- her triggers such as old places, people or things she associated with her using. Frequently all of us revert to our former, well known coping tools, even when self sabotaging, if we are stressed or overwhelmed. Thus, I would suggest watch and support her functional behaviors and lifestyle tools. If she begins to isolate, returns to old behaviors, contacting former playmates( users) and/or returns to former playgrounds ( places where she obtained or used) those are major cues to risk for her to be overwhelmed and/or stressed and falling back on her known methods of coping ( self medicating) Try to remain non judgmental, require honesty and accountability of her. Be supportive and always willing to communicate openly and honestly with her. Responsibility and accountability are keystones to her recovery. Serenity, Courage, Wisdom- Doc Soper READ MORE

Expert Publications

Data provided by the National Library of Medicine

Areas of expertise and specialization

Addiction and substance abuseIntimate Partner ViolencePost Traumatic Stress Disorder

Faculty Titles & Positions

Chief Medical Officer Center for Behavioral Wellness 2019 - Present
Treasurer Nashville Academy of Medicine 2019 - Present
Delegate American Medical Association 2019 - Present
Advisory Council Tennessee Medical Association 2019 - Present

Awards

Who's Who In America 2019 Marquis
Top Docs 2019 Top Doctors
Best Physicians in America 2019 National Consumers Council

Professional Memberships

American Society of Addiction Medicine
NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals
American Board of Professional Psychology
American Psychological Association, Society of Clinical Psychology
National Association of Drug Court Professionals
National Coalition for Sexual Freedom

Areas of research

Intimate Partner Violence

Dr. Richard G. Soper, MD, JD, MS, ASAM, ABAM's Practice location

Center for Behavioral Wellness

110 29th Ave North Suite 300 -
Nashville, TN 37212

Get Direction

New patients: 615-292-5747

Fax: 615-292-5749

http://www.ctrbewell.com/

Mon:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tue:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wed:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thu:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Fri:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sat:Closed
Sun:Closed

Dr. Richard G. Soper, MD, JD, MS, ASAM, ABAM's reviews

(2)

Write Review

Patient Experience with Dr. Soper

5.0

Based on 2 reviews

Dr. Richard G. Soper, MD, JD, MS, ASAM, ABAM has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on the reviews from 2 patients. FindaTopDoc has aggregated the experiences from real patients to help give you more insights and information on how to choose the best Addiction Psychiatrist in your area. These reviews do not reflect a providers level of clinical care, but are a compilation of quality indicators such as bedside manner, wait time, staff friendliness, ease of appointment, and knowledge of conditions and treatments.

Vince
(5)
A true doctor who cares. He requires honesty and being accountable for your behavior. Never discharged me. When I slipped twice, I was honest and told him, we worked through it. He is always available. If U try to manipulate or lie he catches it quickly. The best if U wanna change your life to healthy and drug free.
Laura
(5)
Dr. Soper is one of the best. He is kind, respectful, and actually listens. He is a big factor in my sobriety. Thank you, Dr. Soper!