Substance Abuse Specialist

What is substance abuse?

Substance abuse disorder involves the misuse of recreational drugs or alcohol. It affects your brain and behavior, making it difficult to stop using substances you’re addicted to. 

Substance abuse can harm your body, but you might continue with the unhealthy habit nonetheless. Treatment can help you break the addiction to reduce your risk of serious mental and physical health problems.

What are the symptoms of substance abuse?

Some common signs and symptoms of substance abuse you or a loved one might experience include:

• Not being able to stop using certain substances
• Having intense urges for drugs or alcohol
• Increasing the number of substances you use
• Problems with work, school, or relationships
• Engaging in risky behaviors
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms 
• Failed attempts at quitting
• Fatigue, paranoia, or impaired thinking

If you know drinking excessive alcohol or using illicit drugs is harmful but can’t stop on your own, seek help from Dr. Malhotra at Central Clinic.

What are the risk factors for substance abuse?

Anybody can develop substance abuse at any time, but certain factors increase your risk. Examples include personal or family history of substance abuse, having a mental health disorder, peer pressure, lack of a social support network, using drugs or alcohol at a young age, and taking highly addictive drugs.

How is substance abuse diagnosed?

To diagnose substance abuse disorder, Dr. Malhotra discusses your symptoms and lifestyle and asks questions about your drug and alcohol use. She completes a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and physical examination.

Dr. Malhotra might suggest you undergo diagnostic testing procedures, such as blood or urine tests, to detect or rule out additional medical problems and develop a personalized treatment plan.

What are substance abuse treatment options?

To help break your substance abuse, Dr. Malhotra might recommend you undergo one or more of the following treatments:

• Chemical dependency treatment program
• Individual, group, or family counseling
• Self-help groups
• Taking certain medications
• Withdrawal therapy
• Behavioral therapy
• Lifestyle changes

Dr. Malhotra personalizes each treatment to help you achieve optimal mental and physical health and a better quality of life. She can refer you to specialists in the area for complex medical problems when necessary.

If you struggle to break an addiction and are ready for substance abuse treatment, schedule an appointment with Central Clinic over the phone or online today.