Addiction always has an underlying cause. That’s why it’s so important to uncover the origin of your pain. With trauma and distress sweeping the nation, your mental health is a crucial part of your general wellbeing during these challenging times.
Providing permanent telehealth services in New York, New Jersey, and Kansas for patients over the age of 16, Dr. Judy Vansiea understands how mental health issues impact entire lives. From employment to relationships, and beyond, addiction is a struggle that no one should suffer alone.
At Coping Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry Services in Uniondale, New York, Dr. Vansiea treats underlying causes that trigger addiction, such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), depression, and more.
What does addiction look like?
Identifying addiction in yourself or someone you love is complicated. Those with mental health issues like PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, or depression have higher substance abuse rates than the general population. Because addiction and mental health are so closely related, it can be difficult to find a diagnosis.
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), addiction is a chronic disease that impairs the brain’s memory, motivation, and reward functions. Sometimes a person who is addicted will ignore important areas of their life like their job or finances, and will instead turn to substance abuse.
Some signs of addiction are:
- Decreased motivation
- Decreased socialization
- Lack of control
- Neglecting loved ones
- Ignoring risky behavior despite consequences
Addiction looks different to everyone, so you may notice these signs in yourself or a loved one, or you may see other symptoms like physical changes.
Types of addiction
There are many types of addiction, and signs may look different for each kind. These include addiction to:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Medication
- Inhalants
- Legal and illegal drugs
Dependency on any of these substances have negative consequences, and as such, the underlying mental health issue must be addressed in order to heal.
Dealing with underlying mental health issues
It’s important to seek treatment if you see addiction in a loved one, or if you’re addicted yourself. Effective therapies are comprehensive. Dr. Vansiea uses a compassionate and holistic approach to treating mental health issues to address the addiction.
Medication management
Medication may help ease symptoms of addiction and mental distress. An appropriate prescription management plan is a good complement to cognitive-behavioral therapy and trauma-focused support. Dr. Vansiea may help you develop a plan that includes an antidepressant, anti-anxiety medications, or medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Counseling
Coping Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry Services offers faith-based Christian counseling for those seeking integrated care. Sessions with Dr. Vansiea focus on psychological care and understanding your unique mental needs. Using a spiritual approach, you’ll discover how to cope with mental health issues that drive addiction.
Coaching and wellness support
With a strong medical and surgical background, Dr. Vansiea and her compassionate team of experts provide coaching and wellness support via telemedicine appointments. She offers virtual psychiatric evaluations, and she specializes in addiction counseling.
Don’t suffer alone
If you’re experiencing mental health distress, or if you’re having trouble coping with your addiction, you aren’t alone. Call Dr. Vansiea at 516-247-3525, or you can send a secure message. Her goal is to make you feel as comfortable as possible in these trying times.
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