Substance Abuse Specialist

What is substance abuse?

Substance abuse is a complex condition that causes compulsive use of drugs or alcohol despite increasingly severe consequences. Your focus is centered on accessing and using the substance. 

Eventually, your compulsive use interferes with your ability to function in your day-to-day life. 

Substance abuse isn’t fully understood, but medical researchers know that it involves changes in the regions of your brain that regulate your impulse control, judgment, and decision making. 

What are the signs of substance abuse?

Substance abuse causes progressive mental and physical symptoms. Some of the warning signs of addiction include:

• Feeling frequent urges to use drugs or alcohol
• Thoughts about getting or using the drug block out other thoughts
• Developing a tolerance to the drug
• Spending money that you can’t afford to get the substance 
• Failing to meet professional and social obligations
• Engaging in dangerous activities while using the drug
• Failing in your attempts to stop using the substance
• Having withdrawal symptoms when you can’t use the drug

You may start to have problems at work or school, or your relationships with friends and family might suffer. Your physical health and appearance may decline.

When should I talk to a doctor about substance abuse treatment?

You should make an appointment with Dr. Sanchez if you’re ready to give up drugs or alcohol. The physical and mental symptoms of addiction make it challenging to overcome substance abuse on your own.

Regardless of whether you’ve tried to give up drugs or alcohol before, Dr. Sanchez can help you get past the physical and mental cravings for the drug and resolve any underlying psychiatric issues that contribute to your substance abuse. 

What should I expect during substance abuse treatment?

Dr. Sanchez begins with a thorough exam and psychiatric consultation to evaluate your condition and your needs. Then, she creates a multidisciplinary treatment plan to address your needs. She takes a holistic approach and combines medication, counseling, and lifestyle changes.

Dr. Sanchez prescribes both Suboxone® and Sublocade® to control your cravings and withdrawal symptoms. As your physical symptoms subside, you can direct your energy toward exploring and resolving the issues contributing to your addiction, and changing your habits.

If you’re ready to begin your journey to sobriety, call Venice Sanchez, MD, or make an appointment online today.