Alcoholism and Substance Abuse

Behavioral addiction that affects everyone.

Impact On Lives

None of us have our first drink or experiment with drugs for the first time with the intention of becoming an alcoholic or an addict. Alcohol use is celebrated in our society, even encouraged, and can be a “gateway” to drugs of abuse. Sometimes we use drugs or alcohol to avoid feelings of depression, anxiety or not feeling “a part of”, but both alcohol and drugs can take control of our lives and negatively affect the lives of people we care about. We continue to drink or use despite the consequences. So why do we do it? Why not just stop? Once we become dependent on alcohol or drugs, both mentally and physically, recovery from addiction or alcoholism is difficult. But not only is it possible, recovery can transform our lives into a more meaningful experience than we previously imagined.

Alcoholism and drug addiction are diseases:

Substance abuse and dependence are physiologic addictions and diagnosable disease states that prevent us from changing our behaviors despite all the negative consequences. The attitude that alcoholics and addicts are just selfish and lack the willpower to stop is inaccurate and diminishes the struggle with addiction. While selfish thinking and destructive behaviors are part of addiction, they are rooted in the disease and need to be addressed as symptoms of the disease.

There is hope:

Treatment for alcoholism and substance abuse takes a village. In-patient detox and residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and less intensive outpatient programs (OP), support groups such as NA and AA, family support and medications are all part of the resource pool available for treatment of substance use disorders.

Treatment at MindVibe:

Let’s start the process of getting your life back on track without the need of alcohol or drugs to manage life on life’s terms. We are here to help, and the good news is that if you are willing to build a recovery team (with you as the team captain!), and be honest about your struggles, life can be better than it ever has been in the past.

Causes and Risk Factors for Addiction

The exact cause is a bit complicated. Researchers believe many factors contribute to the development of addiction, including genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental factors. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, these risk factors include genetics, family history, peer pressure, stress, and poverty.

Risk of Drug Abuse

It can cause physical damage to organs and the brain. Many health risks are associated with drug abuse, especially when combined with other diseases.

Types of Addiction

 Substance abuse can be defined as the use or abuse of any mind-altering substance or drug. It can include alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs, or even caffeine. Addiction is a more specific term that describes the pattern of behavior that characterizes chronic substance abuse in many people.
There are three types of addiction:

Substance use disorder

Substance use disorder describes a person who excessively uses certain substances without control over their behavior.

Drug dependence

Drug dependence refers to a person physically dependent on drugs after prolonged usage despite significant negative consequences for their health or well-being.

Drug addiction

Drug addiction is much more severe than either type because it involves continued use despite negative consequences for health or personal relationships with family and friends.

What Treatment For Substance Abuse Is About

Virtual & In-Person Psychiatric Consultations

Both virtual and in-person visits are available. Click on Locations at the top of the screen to see our clinic locations.

Medication Management

Your provider will discuss medications at your visit and develop a regimen that is right for you.

Ongoing Care

Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to meet your needs and frequency of follow-up appointments will be determined by you and your provider.

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Interested in learning more? Read our detailed article bellow.

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Symptoms

The symptoms of substance abuse can vary depending on the type of drug being abused.

Tiredness, drowsiness, and sleepiness often associated with a lack of sleep or an inability to fall asleep easily are also significant indicators. Withdrawal symptoms, such as cravings, irritability, nausea, and mood changes, can also be warning signs of addiction.

Effects of Drug Abuse

It can cause physical damage to organs and the brain. Many health risks are associated with drug abuse, especially when combined with other diseases. The most common health issues include:

These issues can be fatal, especially in individuals with other health problems. Drug abuse can also significantly impact your social and work life. Being prepared to face the consequences of your substance abuse is essential.

Table of Contents

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What We Treat

Anxiety

When feelings become intense and overwhelming, they can cause distress and intense fear, which prevents us from doing daily activities.

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Depression

It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in previously enjoyable or rewarding activities.

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Bipolar Disorder

A mental health condition that can cause dramatic shifts in your mood and energy that includes emotional highs and lows.

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Online counseling services for various mental health conditions, helping you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

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Trauma

It’s about helping people who have experienced trauma heal by providing them with support and guidance online.

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Substance Abuse & Addiction

Is a behavioral addiction that can negatively impact the lives of those who struggle with it.

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Personality Disorders

Helping people that have a chaotic and unstable life with many problems and situations they don’t know how to handle.

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Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder

Online counseling services for various mental health conditions, helping you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

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Feeding and Eating Disorders

Online counseling services for various mental health conditions, helping you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

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Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Disorders

Online counseling services for various mental health conditions, helping you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

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Disruptive, Impulse-Control and Conduct Disorders

Online counseling services for various mental health conditions, helping you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

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Dissociative Disorders

Online counseling services for various mental health conditions, helping you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

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