Substance use + mental health
Let’s talk about
the whole pattern.
Alcohol, cannabis, medications, or other substances can belong in an honest conversation about your health.
You may be worried about your use, questioning it, or trying to protect progress you have already made.
I want to understand what a substance does for you, what it is costing you, and what you would like to be different. That conversation belongs alongside sleep, mood, anxiety, trauma, relationships, and physical health.
We begin with psychiatric assessment and a discussion of which care fits your needs. Treatment and referrals follow the clinical picture.
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Understand the pattern.
Assessment considers the substances involved, frequency and amount, cravings, effects on daily life, and attempts to cut back. I ask about withdrawal, overdose history, mixing substances, prescribed medication, and relevant medical conditions because those details can change the care you need.
You can describe both the relief you experience and the consequences that concern you. We can begin with the questions you have, even when your goals are still taking shape.
Look at mental health and substance use together.
Mood, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, and substance use can overlap and influence one another. The timing of symptoms, periods of use or withdrawal, and your history help clarify what may be happening.
A useful plan considers both parts of the picture. With your permission, coordination with a therapist, primary care clinician, or addiction treatment provider can help connect the work.
Choose an appropriate level of care.
The next step may involve ongoing psychiatric treatment, psychotherapy, specialized substance-use care, or a program with more support. Medical stability, safety, the pattern of use, and available supports help guide that decision.
Ask the practice about the specific services you need before scheduling. Detoxification, withdrawal management, intensive programs, and particular addiction medications require their own clinical and service arrangements.
Questions you
may be carrying.
You can bring them into the conversation.
Do I need to have a diagnosis already?
You can request an assessment because you are concerned about a pattern or want to understand how substance use relates to your mental health. The evaluation helps clarify the clinical picture and suitable next steps.
What can therapy focus on?
Depending on the plan, work may include understanding triggers, coping with difficult emotions, examining the role of relationships, strengthening support, and thinking through situations where use is more likely. Specific treatment approaches and availability are discussed before care.
Are medications an option for substance use disorders?
Evidence-based medications are available for some substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid use disorders. Whether a medication fits you, and which clinician or program can provide it, requires an individual assessment. Contact the practice to confirm any specific prescribing service.
What if I am already in a recovery program?
Tell me about the care and support you already have, what is working, and where you still need help. Psychiatric treatment may be coordinated with an existing recovery plan when clinically appropriate and with the necessary permissions.
What if stopping could cause withdrawal?
Seek medical guidance before abruptly stopping alcohol or sedative medicines if you may be physically dependent. Withdrawal can require urgent medical care. For seizures, severe confusion, difficulty breathing, or another medical emergency, call 911.
Patient education
NIMH · Substance use and mental healthFind substance-use treatmentA place to speak plainly.
Tell me what you are concerned about. We can start there.
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