Your relationship with alcohol or other substances can affect your health, relationships, work, and emotional well-being. If you are concerned about your substance use, finding it difficult to change established patterns, or experiencing mental health symptoms alongside substance use, you deserve support without shame or judgment.
At Sabanosh Psychiatry & Wellness, our approach recognizes that substance use is influenced by many factors, including emotional health, stress, life experiences, physical health, and individual circumstances. We work with you to better understand these factors and explore appropriate treatment options based on your needs and goals.
Whether you want to reduce your use, stop using a substance, understand recurring patterns, or address related mental health concerns, seeking help is a meaningful first step.
Understanding Addiction and Substance Use
Substance use exists along a spectrum. Some people begin to notice negative effects on their health or relationships before recognizing that their use has become difficult to control. Others may experience cravings, withdrawal symptoms, repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut back, or continued use despite harmful consequences.
Substance use disorders are treatable medical conditions, not moral failures or character flaws.
Our addiction and substance use services may address concerns involving:
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Alcohol use and difficulty cutting back
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Prescription medication or other drug misuse
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Cravings, triggers, and recurring patterns of use
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Anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric symptoms occurring alongside substance use
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Stress, emotional regulation, and coping strategies
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The impact of substance use on relationships, work, and everyday functioning
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Relapse concerns and the challenges of maintaining recovery
Treatment needs vary. An individualized assessment helps determine what type and level of care may be appropriate.
Looking Beyond the Substance Use
Substance use may serve different purposes for different people. Some individuals use substances to cope with anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, stress, sleep difficulties, or overwhelming emotions. Others find that patterns of use develop gradually and become increasingly difficult to change.
Understanding the circumstances surrounding your use can help inform a treatment plan that addresses more than the behavior itself.
During assessment, we may explore your substance use history, current patterns, mental health symptoms, previous treatment experiences, and personal goals. We also consider whether additional medical or specialized addiction services may be needed.
Our goal is to help you identify practical, clinically appropriate next steps without reducing your experience to a label.
An Individualized Approach to Recovery
A nonjudgmental conversation.
We recognize that discussing substance use can feel difficult. Our aim is to create an environment where you can be honest about your concerns and receive respectful care.
Understanding your goals.
Your goals may involve abstinence, reducing harm, improving mental health, or determining whether more intensive treatment is needed. We work to understand your circumstances and discuss clinically appropriate options.
Addressing co-occurring mental health concerns.
Anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep difficulties, and other psychiatric symptoms may interact with substance use. When appropriate, we consider these concerns as part of your treatment planning.
Medication evaluation when appropriate.
Certain medications can help treat substance use disorders or related psychiatric conditions. Medication recommendations depend on the substance involved, your health history, clinical needs, and the scope of services available.
Coordination with other care providers.
Some people benefit from specialized addiction treatment, psychotherapy, peer support, or medical services in addition to psychiatric care. When appropriate, we can discuss the need for additional support and referrals.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your first appointment provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns, substance use history, mental health symptoms, and goals. We will work with you to understand the challenges you are facing and identify appropriate treatment options.
You do not need to have everything figured out before seeking help. If you are uncertain whether your substance use has become a problem, an assessment can be a useful starting point.
Some substance withdrawal syndromes, particularly those involving alcohol or benzodiazepines, can be medically dangerous. If you may be physically dependent, seek medical guidance before abruptly stopping. Severe withdrawal symptoms, seizures, hallucinations, or confusion require emergency medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to stop using substances before seeking psychiatric care?
You do not need to have resolved your substance use concerns before asking for help. An assessment can help clarify your needs and determine what treatment setting is appropriate.
Can substance use and depression or anxiety be treated together?
Yes, co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns can often be addressed as part of an integrated treatment plan. The appropriate approach depends on your symptoms, medical needs, and the services available.
Does seeking help mean I have an addiction?
Not necessarily. An evaluation can help you better understand your patterns of use, related symptoms, and whether a substance use disorder or another concern may be present.
What if I need more intensive treatment?
Some individuals require specialized addiction treatment, medically supervised withdrawal management, or a higher level of care. While we do not provide in-patient or residential addiction treatment, if your needs exceed the services we provide, an appropriate referral may be necessary.
Support for Your Mental Health, Whatever Stage of Life You're In
Your mental health matters throughout every stage of life. You deserve compassionate, individualized care that considers both your emotional well-being and the broader context of your health.
Contact Sabanosh Psychiatry & Wellness to request an appointment and explore treatment options tailored to your needs.