Substance Abuse Disorders
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Healthy Mind Psychiatry
Board-Certified Psychiatrist located in Valencia, CA
An estimated 21.2 million people over 12 in the United States seek treatment for substance abuse each year. At Healthy Mind Psychiatry in the Valencia neighborhood of Santa Clarita, California, board-certified psychiatrist Ananya Sreepathi, MD, offers comprehensive treatment for substance abuse disorders. Dr. Sreepathi is passionate about helping those struggling with substance abuse and creates individualized care plans to help you achieve long-term sobriety success.
Substance Abuse Disorders Q & A
What are substance abuse disorders?
Substance abuse describes a pattern of misuse of alcohol, prescription drugs, or illegal drugs to alter your mood. This misuse of substances can cause serious physical, mental, and emotional impairments and lead to long-term health complications.
Some of the most commonly used substances in addition to alcohol include:
- Opioids
- Marijuana
- Benzodiazepines
- Amphetamines and other stimulants
Many people use these substances recreationally due to peer pressure or as a way to self-medicate to numb negative emotions, depression, or anxiety. You may also be at increased risk for a substance abuse disorder because of your genetic background.
When should I seek help for a substance abuse disorder?
You should seek professional help at Healthy Mind Psychiatry for a substance abuse disorder if your use of drugs and alcohol is negatively interfering with your life. Some common signs you may have a substance abuse disorder include:
- Anger or violence
- Missing work or school
- Secretive behaviors
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Engaging in criminal activities to get drugs or alcohol
If you try quitting on your own without success, you’re not alone. Abusing drugs and alcohol causes changes in your brain that make it difficult to quit without professional help. Trying to stop using substances can cause painful withdrawal symptoms and cravings that are tough to ignore.
How are substance abuse disorders treated?
Effective treatment for a substance abuse disorder requires a non-judgmental, compassionate, and evidence-based approach. Dr. Sreepathi has extensive experience in helping patients conquer their substance abuse issues.
Part of your therapy may involve medications to reduce withdrawals and cravings to increase your chances of staying sober. Dr. Sreepathi offers Suboxone® therapy for opioid addiction and Vivitrol® to treat addictions to opioids and alcohol.
Healthy Mind Psychiatry also specializes in treating co-occurring disorders, like anxiety, depression, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to reduce your dependence on problematic substances.
This may include a medication-assisted treatment plan and psychotherapy to help you feel better and effectively break free of the substance abuse cycle.
Dr. Sreepathi is a Board-certified Psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression. Call us to book your appointment today.
