Substance Abuse

Marijuana is a plant that grows in many tropical and temperate climates across the world. It contains psychoactive substances like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) that produce mind-altering effects when the plant is smoked or consumed. 

Marijuana use can lead to a problematic condition known as marijuana use disorder, characterized by users becoming dependent on the drug. It’s estimated that marijuana use disorder affects 4 million people in the United States. 

Other drugs you might become addicted to might include:

Alcohol

Many people drink to relax and celebrate in social contexts; however, roughly 15 million Americans experience alcohol use disorder (AUD), a condition that’s characterized by dependence and the strong compulsions to drink. 

Cocaine

Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that is derived from the coca plant. It commonly comes in a powder or as smokable crystals (crack). Cocaine use can result in erratic behavior, restlessness, panic, paranoia, and cardiovascular issues. 

Methamphetamine

Meth or methamphetamine is a commonly abused stimulant that can take the form of pills, crystals, or a white powder. Using methamphetamine can cause a host of issues, including lead to memory loss, psychosis, bouts of aggression, strained relationships, and severe dental problems.

Prescription Stimulants

Prescription stimulants, like Adderall® and Ritalin®, are chemically similar to methamphetamines. While a physician can prescribe these medications to help manage symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), they can easily be abused if not taken as prescribed. 

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, colloquially known as “benzos,” are prescription sedatives that are often used to manage conditions like anxiety and insomnia. Some of the most commonly abused benzodiazepines include Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin. 

Benzodiazepines are involved in 30% of all opiate overdoses. 

Another substance that’s often misused in today’s society is opioid medication. These include pain pills, heroin, fentanyl, and morphine. 

You may have started using opioids for short-term pain control but couldn’t stop once the original cause of your pain was resolved. These substances have an addictive quality that takes over your life. 

Opioid dependence and addiction is a chronic long-term medical condition, and because of the way these substances affect the brain, opioid misuse isn’t something you can overcome on your own.

If you develop a dependence on alcohol or another substance, it may show up as increased tolerance, meaning that you need to drink or use more over time to maintain the same effects. You may frequent places or situations where you can drink or use, or you may develop cravings and compulsions to use a particular substance.

If you’re unable to drink or use your drug of choice, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as tremors, mood swings, and insomnia.

Substance use disorder is addressed by first identifying that a problem exists. Next, Dr. Vansiea makes recommendations and referrals for treatment based on your drug use after an assessment is done. She offers insight and awareness in identifying triggers and treatment options such as referrals to outpatient, intensive outpatient, or residential treatment programs as needed.  

The types of substance abuse appointments include:

• Adult Chemical Dependency Assessment (90 minutes for all new patients)  

• Middle Adolescent Chemical Dependency Assessment (120 minutes for all new patients) 

• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders (60 minutes)

Dr. Vansiea promotes self-love as part of a holistic approach to treating substance abuse. She offers education and teachings on medical comorbidities that may occur due to drug use. 

She recognizes that substance abuse can often occur in conjunction with mental illness and that both must be addressed. 

Additionally, Dr. Vansiea recognizes that some mood disorders may be a result of substance-induced mood disorders. She partners with you to identify the problem, develop more positive coping skills, make recommendations, and referrals for more appropriate treatment options to address your addiction in order to live a more purposeful, driven life.

If you’re struggling with abuse of drugs, alcohol, or other substances, reach out to the Coping Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry Services today.

At Coping Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry Services, Dr. Vansiea may employ Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) if you’re wrestling with a substance use disorder. She routinely offers MAT for patients who are addicted to opioids, alcohol, and smoking. 

MAT for substance use disorders uses FDA-approved medications such as Suboxone, Buprenorphine, Naltrexone and Campral in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a whole-patient approach to treatment of opioid and alcohol use disorders.

If you’ve been prescribed medication to help manage your substance use disorders, you need an expert for your medication management for your dosage. Call Coping Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry Services or book online to begin the process of an evaluation and assessment treatment intervention.