Addiction

Nearly 50 million people 12 and older in the United States battle substance use disorders (addictions). At Avant Medical Consulting, board-cerifiedpsychiatrist Jordan Spellman, MD, helps you overcome an addiction, discover freedom, and achieve the quality of life you deserve. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or booking a visit online today.

What is an addiction?

Addictions often involve misusing substances, such as drugs, nicotine, or alcohol. But people can also become addicted to things like gambling, food, shopping, risky behaviors, dieting, caffeine, pain medications, sex, and pornography. 

Addictions can negatively impact your quality of life by causing you or those around you harm. See Dr. Spellman if you’re unable to overcome problematic habits on your own. He helps you break free from harmful addictions to regain hope and discover joy.

What are the symptoms of addiction?

Addictions can cause the following symptoms:

• Not being able to stop addictive habits
• Withdrawal symptoms when quitting (shaking, vomiting, sweating, etc.)
• Doing something despite knowing it causes harm
• Needing more and more of an addictive substance 
• Lack of control
• Getting drunk or high
• Problems with work, school, health, or relationships
• Irritability
• Anxiety

Addictions can cause problems related to your mental health, physical health, career, grades at school, personal hygiene, or interpersonal relationships.

What are the risk factors for an addiction?

Examples of addiction risk factors include:

• Family history of addictions
• Brain changes
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Stress
• Trauma
• Being exposed to addictive substances

The cause of an addiction isn’t always clear, and anyone can develop one. Seeking treatment early can help avoid worsening complications. 

How are addictions diagnosed?

Dr. Spellman can diagnose an addiction, or substance use disorder (SUD), by completing a comprehensive consultation and medical review using DSM-5 criteria.

He discusses your lifestyle habits, thoughts, moods, emotions, medications, and more to determine if you have an addiction and/or another mental health disorder. Dr. Spellman tailors treatments that help you break free from problematic behavior patterns. 

How are addictions treated?

Your customized addiction treatment plan may consist of medication management, psychotherapy, support groups, rehabilitation, or lifestyle modifications. 

Examples of addiction therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), group therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and family therapy. Dr. Spellman follows up to ensure long-lasting success and an exceptional quality of life.

It’s helpful to stay active, eat nutritious foods, avoid exposure to addiction triggers, minimize stress, and get plenty of sleep. Maintaining a strong social support network is also important. 

Schedule an addiction evaluation at Avant Medical Consulting by calling the office or booking a visit online today.