Substance Abuse Treatment/ Drug Abuse Control

Online Psychiatric Mental Health Clinic Located in Mesa, AZ

online substance abuse and drug control therapy in mesa

Online Substance Abuse Treatment, Drug Addiction Control in Mesa, AZ

Substance use disorder involves the excessive use of drugs, such as alcohol, pain medications, or illegal drugs, leading to physical, social, or emotional harm.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, seeking treatment can be life-changing and even life-saving. Substance use disorder affects millions in the United States, and each person’s experience is unique, requiring personalized treatment. Every story behind substance use is different. So, each individual’s addiction treatment should be different, too.

At Grand Canyon Psychiatry in Mesa, Arizona, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Peter Njogu and their dedicated team offer comprehensive treatment for substance abuse and drug addiction to improve:
– Physical well-being
– Mental and emotional health
– Interpersonal relationships.

We are offering Telehealth/Online consultations for mental health and substance abuse treatment in Mesa, AZ. To schedule a consultation, call our office at (480) 716-8473

Grand Canyon Psychiatric Services

Substance Abuse/Drug Addiction Treatment & Counseling- Common Questions & Answers

What is Substance Abuse or Drug Addiction?

Substance use disorder is a condition where there is a consistent pattern of substance use causing significant problems in daily life. This can include missing work or school, using substances in dangerous situations, legal issues, or strained relationships.

Substance use disorder involves the misuse of both illegal substances like marijuana, heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine, and legal substances like alcohol, nicotine, or prescription drugs. Among these, alcohol is the most commonly associated with substance use disorder.

Occasional use of these alcohols and drugs may not have any effect, but if you are getting addicted, or already have become an addict to these drugs or substances, you must seek immediate help from your nearest substance abuse treatment clinic and mental health care provider. Grand Canyon Psychiatry provides online counseling and treatment of substance abuse such as alcohol and drug addiction.

What Substances are associated with substance use disorder?

Substances that can lead to addiction include:
– Alcohol
– Marijuana
– Prescription medicines, such as pain pills, stimulants, or anxiety pills
– Methamphetamine
– Cocaine
– Opiates
– Hallucinogens
– Inhalants

What Are the Symptoms of Drug Addiction or Substance Abuse?

Common symptoms of substance abuse or drug control include:

  • A strong need to use the drug regularly
  • Intense cravings for the substance
  • Using more of the drug than intended
  • Needing more of the drug over time to get the same effect
  • Always having a supply of the drug
  • Neglecting responsibilities and social activities
  • Continuing use despite knowing it’s causing problems
  • Engaging in risky behaviors to get the drug
  • Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from the drug
  • Failing to stop using the drug
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug

What factors contribute to Substance Abuse or Drug Addiction?

Addiction can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Factors that can increase the risk include:

  1. Family History of Addiction: There is an increased risk for individuals with relatives who have struggled with alcohol or drug dependency.
  2. Mental health conditions: People with mental health disorders like depression, ADHD, or PTSD are more susceptible to drug addiction as substances may serve as coping mechanisms for managing emotional distress, exacerbating existing issues.
  3. Peer influence: Peer pressure, especially among young individuals can initiate misuse of drugs.
  4. Lack of Family Support: Unfavorable family situations or inadequate parental involvement can increase the vulnerability to addiction.
  5. Early exposure: Drug use during adolescence can disrupt brain development and escalate the likelihood of addiction progression.
  6. Substance potency: Highly addictive substances such as stimulants, cocaine, or opioids can expedite addiction development, with methods like smoking or injection further increasing dependency risks. Additionally, even “mild” drugs can pave the way for subsequent substance misuse and addiction.

How is Drug Addiction or Substance Abuse Diagnosed?

Diagnosing substance abuse or drug addiction typically involves a comprehensive assessment by healthcare professionals. Here are some common steps and methods used in the diagnostic process:

1. Physical Examination

Physical examination is the process of checking for signs of drug use or related health issues.

2. Clinical Interview

Our Online Drug Addiction Healthcare provider in Mesa, Arizona will conduct a thorough interview to gather information about medical history, substance use patterns, and symptoms to help you with solutions to cope with addiction.

3. Diagnostic Criteria

4. Laboratory Tests

Other tests like urine, blood, or other tests may be conducted to detect the presence of drugs or alcohol in the body.

5. Psychological Evaluation

A mental health professional at our clinic in Mesa, AZ may assess for co-occurring mental health conditions that could contribute to substance abuse.

6. Screening Tools

Other screening tools and questionnaires can help identify problematic substance use behaviors and determine the severity of the addiction.

7. Family Involvement

Inputs from family members or relatives can provide valuable insight into an individual’s substance use patterns and their impact on relationships.

Treatment for Substance Abuse Disorder and Drug Addiction

Specific treatment for substance use disorder will be determined by your substance use therapist based on:

– Patient’s age, overall health, and health history
– Extent of the symptoms
– Extent of the dependence
– Type of substance a patient is using
– Your tolerance for specific medicines, procedures, or therapies
– Expectations for the course of the condition
– Patient’s opinion or preference

One of the most common treatments for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Drug Addiction is a combination of behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT involves the use of medications, such as Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone), in conjunction with counseling and behavioral therapies to address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Here’s how it works:

1. Behavioral Therapy

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals change harmful behaviors and develop coping strategies.
  • Exposure therapy and relaxation exercises can also be included

2. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Our Online substance abuse counselors in Mesa, AZ can provide FDA-approved medications like Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) alongside counseling to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

3. Individualized Treatment Plans

Our online substance abuse control professionals tailor the treatment to each individual’s needs, preferences, and circumstances

4. Supportive Services

Beyond therapy and medication, people undergoing therapy and recovery could find value in additional supportive resources like support groups, family therapy, vocational training, and housing aid.

Psychiatric and Mental Health Disorders We Treat in Mesa, AZ

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