Substance use disorder, also called addiction, is a chronic disease arising from the repeated use of habit-forming substances.

If you struggle with substance use, you’ve likely become dependent on alcohol, street drugs, prescription medications, or other compounds. It has altered your brain chemistry, so you can’t quickly stop using the substance even if you desire to.

Substance use is often co-occurring with other mental health conditions. It can interfere with your relationships, school performance, and job performance, and leads to severe health complications.

Many factors can contribute to substance use and addiction. Genetics plays a role, as do environmental stressors, examples of which include childhood abuse and domestic violence. People of all genders, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds can develop an addiction.

If you have an existing mental health condition, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, you have an increased risk of substance abuse. Using substances at a young age and the use of highly addictive substances, also increases your risk.

The goals of substance use and addiction treatment include:

• Ending substance dependency 
• Managing triggers and cravings
• Developing life-coping skills
• Building support systems

The highly trained and experienced professionals at Avazach Psychiatry customize addiction treatment plans to meet your individual needs. Depending on your unique situation, your treatment plan may include:

• Mental health treatment (co-existing conditions) 
• Relapse prevention
• Nutritional counseling
• Lifestyle counseling
• Mindfulness training
• Exercise

Recovering from substance use disorder is a lifelong process. Your compassionate and respectful providers use individualized approach and evidence-based techniques drawn from various disciplines via telehealth platforms, providing you with skills for long-term recovery.

While many people benefit from inpatient recovery programs, they aren’t the only option for successful addiction treatment. The same is true for 12-step programs.

There are many types of substance use and addiction treatment programs available. Avazach Psychiatry tailors your plan to offer the best support for your unique recovery journey.

Intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization, and sober living situations are some options your providers might incorporate into your treatment plan.