Substance Abuse

Health & Psychiatry

Psychiatrist located across Florida

More than 10% of people in the United States ages 12 and above use an illicit or psychoactive drug every month. Substance abuse includes illegal drug use or misuse of a legal drug and is often a precursor to addiction. At Health & Psychiatry offices across Florida, experienced psychiatrist Dinar Sajan, MD, and her team specialize in the management of substance abuse and offers innovative treatments to prevent your drug use from turning into an addiction. To get help, call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today.

Substance Abuse FAQs

What is substance abuse?

Substance abuse refers to the use of illegal drugs or the misuse of prescription drugs or alcohol. Substance abuse and addiction aren’t the same things. An addiction is a disease in which you’re unable to stop using an illegal drug or substance despite the effects it’s having on your physical, emotional, and mental health.

By comparison, if you have a substance abuse problem, you may have a strong desire for the drug, but you don’t have the compulsive need to use the drug and can quit. Some of the most commonly abused drugs include:

Alcohol
Opioids
Heroin
Cocaine
Marijuana
Cigarettes

These drugs, both legal and illegal, contain chemicals that change how your body and mind function. You may find that these drugs provide a pleasurable sensation, ease stress, or help you avoid problems.

What are substance abuse symptoms?

Like most people, you may think when you start using a drug that you’ll be able to control the amount you use. However, over time your body needs more of the drug to get the desired effects, which increases your risk of developing an addiction. Knowing the signs and symptoms of substance abuse may help prevent your drug use from turning into an addiction.

Symptoms of substance abuse include:

You stop caring about how you look
Change in appetite
Disinterest in activities you used to enjoy
Withdrawal from friends and family
Change in sleep habits
Mood swings

With substance abuse, you may also find yourself making the drug a priority in your life that supersedes family, work, and friends.

What can I expect during a substance abuse evaluation?

You can expect a comprehensive evaluation when you come in to see Dr. Sajan and her team at Health & Psychiatry for help with your substance abuse problem. For all new patients, she performs an initial psychiatric evaluation to identify the biological, psychological, and social factors that may be contributing to your substance abuse.

How is substance abuse treated?

Dr. Sajan and her team develop personalized treatment plans for substance abuse based on the results of your initial psychiatric evaluation. Your treatment plan may include psychotherapy, group therapy, or medication.

It’s not uncommon for someone with a substance abuse problem to also suffer from a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety. In addition to your substance abuse problem, Dr. Sajan and her team also work closely with you to address any underlying mental health condition you may have.

To prevent your substance abuse problem from turning into an addiction, contact Health & Psychiatry by phone or online to get help now.