We understand the complexities of substance abuse and provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment options to help individuals overcome their addiction and achieve long-term recovery.
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Schedule NowSubstance Use Disorder (SUD)
Substance abuse is a serious problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It can lead to a range of physical, psychological, and social problems, including addiction, health issues, relationship difficulties, and legal troubles.
Street Drugs
- Heroin
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamines
- Hallucinogens
- Ecstasy
Prescription Drugs
- Benzodiazepines
- Opiates
- Amphetamines
- Medical Marijuana
Individuals who experience a substance use disorder (SUD) during their lives may also experience a co-occurring mental disorder and vice versa, learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment. Co-occurring disorders can include anxiety disorders, depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and schizophrenia, among others.
Substance use disorder affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. With the right support and treatment, recovery is possible.
“Roughly 50% of individuals with severe mental disorders are affected by substance abuse.”
Diagnosed with Serious Mental Illness and Substance Abuse Disorder
With Severe Mental Disorders Affected by Substance Abuse
SUD Diagnosis & Treatment
Recovering from addiction isn’t easy, but there are people you can turn to for encouragement and guidance. Once you recognize the signs, you can start the conversation. We are here to help.
Overview
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex condition characterized by uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences. This condition involves an intense focus on using a certain substance(s) to the point where a person’s ability to function in day-to-day life becomes impaired. Brain imaging studies reveal that changes in the brain’s structure and function cause people to have intense cravings, changes in personality, abnormal movements, and other behaviors. Symptoms of SUD are grouped into four categories: impaired control, social problems, risky use, and drug effects. Effective treatments for SUDs are available, and a combination of medication and individual or group therapy is most effective. Treatment approaches that address an individual’s specific situation and any co-occurring medical, psychiatric, and social problems are optimal for leading to sustained recovery.
People begin taking drugs for a variety of reasons, including to feel good, to feel better, to do better, curiosity, and peer pressure. In addition to substances, people can also develop addiction to behaviors, such as gambling. People with substance use and behavioral addictions may be aware of their problem but not be able to stop even if they want and try to. Substance use disorder is treated by recognizing the problem and conducting a formal assessment of symptoms. All patients can benefit from treatment, regardless of whether the disorder is mild, moderate, or severe. Many people who meet criteria for a substance use disorder and could benefit from treatment don’t receive help.
Medications are used to control drug cravings, relieve symptoms of withdrawal, and prevent relapses. Psychotherapy can help individuals with SUD better understand their behavior and motivations, develop higher self-esteem, cope with stress, and address other psychiatric problems. A person’s recovery plan is unique to their specific needs and may include strategies outside of formal treatment. The 13 principles of effective drug addiction treatment were developed based on three decades of scientific research. Addiction is a complex, but treatable, disease that affects brain function and behavior. No single treatment is appropriate for everyone, and effective treatment attends to multiple needs of the individual, not just their drug abuse.
Behavioral Therapies
Some examples of effective behavioral therapies for adults with SUDs and different co-occurring mental disorders include the following:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of talk therapy aimed at helping people learn how to cope with difficult situations by challenging irrational thoughts and changing behaviors.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT uses concepts of mindfulness and acceptance or being aware of and attentive to the current situation and emotional state. DBT also teaches skills that can help control intense emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviors (e.g., suicide attempts, thoughts, or urges; self-harm; and drug use), and improve relationships.
- Assertive Community Treatment (ACT): This is a form of community-based mental health care that emphasizes outreach to the community and an individualized treatment approach.
Medication
Medication may be part of your treatment plan. Medications can help modify your brain chemistry to help treat certain SUDs. They can also relieve cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Medication-assisted treatments are available for:
- Opioids: Methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone are FDA-approved for the treatment of opioid use disorder
- Alcohol: Three FDA-approved drugs include naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram
- Tobacco: A nicotine patch, spray, gum, lozenge or Varenicline can help
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Medical Services
At Penciu Medical, you’ll experience a variety of behavioral health services uniquely tailored to help you live your best life. We value a collaborative, evidence-based, individualized treatment approach – utilizing medication management, psychotherapy, and innovative treatments.
Discover how we can help you live your best life by prospering from the inside out.
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Telemedicine
Telemedicine provides essentially the same care as in-person visits when a physical exam isn’t needed which is the case for psychiatry. We are still able to everything we would if you were seen in the office such as ordering labs and prescribing medication but we get to provide this to you while you remain in the comfort of your home.
What is Telehealth?
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Pick a time from our scheduler that works best for you. If you’d prefer to call, our friendly staff is available to help you schedule an appointment – (323) 230-0017.