SUBSTANCE USE THERAPY

What are Substance Use Disorders?

A substance use disorder occurs when legal or illicit substances are misused or consumed on a recurring basis. Substance use disorder, the medical term for addiction, may impact a person's behavior and brain chemistry, and cause the individual to lack control when it comes to regulating the consumption of an illegal drug, prescription medication, alcohol, nicotine, or other substances. When a substance use disorder is present, a person may continue to consume these substances and carry out harmful or compulsive actions or behaviors regardless of negative outcomes.

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How are Substance Use Disorders Diagnosed and Treated?

During an initial assessment, our providers will ask a series of questions concerning the use of a substance and how it may be impacting the individual's work, school, social, or other aspects of life. In a number of cases, there may be a dual diagnosis, which occurs when a substance use disorder is present concurrently with a general psychiatric condition, such as anxiety or depression. Treatments for substance use disorder may involve a combination of behavioral therapy, an intervention program, psychotherapy, medical detox, and addiction medications to help manage cravings and the symptoms of withdrawal.

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Addiction Treatment

Substance use disorder is a treatable condition that often requires professional care. At Mind Therapy, we diagnose and treat substance use disorders to help patients overcome addiction and enjoy a better quality of life. Together, we will creatively incorporate coping skills techniques for symptom reduction. By employing a harm-reduction, client-centered approach, we will explore whether moderate, less harmful use or abstinence are appropriate. We will develop therapeutic goals to address behavioral-change, ambivalence, and begin to understand the emotional underpinnings of the substance use and self-destructive behaviors.