Substance Abuse Treatment

Struggling with alcohol or drug use is common — approximately 19.7% of American adults have battled a substance use disorder. Fortunately, Rondeshya “Ronnie” Cosby, NP, and the team at Bright Shadows Telepsychiatry offer compassionate substance abuse treatments to patients in and around Virginia and North Carolina. If you want supportive virtual therapy sessions, medication, and lifestyle guidance, call the friendly staff to learn more or request a consultation online.

What is substance abuse treatment?

Substance abuse treatment addresses substance use disorder — a cycle of substance use that causes severe issues or distress. Substance abuse can cause you to miss work or school, create relationship problems, or put you in dangerous situations. 

Substances can be illegal (marijuana, heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine) or legal (alcohol, nicotine, or prescription medicines). 

Multiple factors cause substance abuse, including genetic risk, personality, psychiatric conditions, environmental stressors, and societal pressures. 

When do I need substance abuse treatment?

You or a loved one may need treatment if concerning behaviors or symptoms are present, including: 

• Drinking large amounts of alcohol 
• Unsuccessfully trying to cut down or control drugs or alcohol 
• Spending excessive time using and recovering from the use of drugs or alcohol
• Substance misuse that leads to day-to-day problems
• Continued substance abuse despite the problems it causes 
• Declining activities because of substance use
• Developing a high tolerance 
• Having withdrawal symptoms 

Bright Shadows Telepsychiatry recommends treating substance abuse before it leads to problematic medical conditions and dangerous situations. 

What does substance abuse treatment include?

At your initial consultation, Bright Shadows Telepsychiatry asks questions about your overall health, medical history, symptoms, extent of your dependence, and type of substance you’re using.

If you need detoxification, the practice may recommend you go to a rehabilitation center. 

The team’s ultimate goal is to offer you an achievable treatment plan with long-lasting results. 

Medications 

Your provider ensures you’re a good candidate before prescribing you medication. Some options, like benzodiazepines, can be habit-forming. 

Antidepressants can increase serotonin levels to help boost your mood and confidence if your substance abuse is due to a mental health condition like depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Benzodiazepines can help with acute anxiety.

Various medicines also assist opioid addiction recovery and alcohol use disorder. 

Psychotherapy 

Individual or family therapy sessions can educate you on your addiction, how to become drug-free, and give you tools to prevent relapse.

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) help you identify negative thinking patterns or trauma that may cause your substance abuse. You can then develop healthier thoughts and behaviors when approaching stressful situations. 

The team also recommends group meetings and psychosocial support systems to ensure long-term recovery.

For compassionate substance abuse treatment, call Bright Shadows Telepsychiatry today or request a consultation on the website.