Substance Use Disorder

From Dependence to Independence: A Journey of Healing and Hope

At Alice’s Psychiatry & Wellness, we approach substance use disorders (SUD) with the same clinical rigor, compassion, and respect we give to any chronic medical condition. Addiction is not a moral failure—it’s a treatable condition that affects the brain, body, relationships, and self-worth. Through evidence-based care, integrated support, and a belief in your potential, we help individuals reclaim their lives and rediscover hope.

Understanding Addiction as a Brain-Based Condition

Substance use disorders change the brain’s reward system, hijacking motivation, decision-making, and stress responses. Long-term use alters dopamine regulation and rewires how the brain experiences pleasure, making it harder to find joy in everyday life and easier to feel trapped in the cycle of use. Understanding these biological changes helps reduce self-blame and supports the need for medical treatment.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), addiction is a complex brain disorder and a mental illness, underscoring the importance of integrated, science-backed treatment.

Personalized Care for Every Stage of Use

No two addiction stories are the same. Whether you’re seeking help for alcohol, opioids, stimulants, or other substances, we tailor care based on where you are in your journey—first-time treatment, returning after relapse, or managing long-term recovery.

• Comprehensive Assessments: We evaluate physical health, psychiatric history, trauma, social factors, and readiness to change.
• Dual Diagnosis Support: We address co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder alongside addiction.
• Medical Detox Referrals: For those needing safe withdrawal management, we coordinate care with trusted detox providers before beginning therapy.

Evidence-Based Therapy Approaches

We use proven modalities to help you build resilience, break addictive patterns, and develop healthier coping strategies:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifies and reframes thoughts that fuel substance use and builds coping tools for cravings and stress.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI): Strengthens your internal motivation to change and resolve ambivalence about recovery.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Helps regulate intense emotions, tolerate distress, and build stronger interpersonal boundaries.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

For certain addictions, FDA-approved medications can reduce cravings and prevent relapse when paired with therapy. We offer collaborative care for:

• Opioid Use Disorder: Buprenorphine, Naltrexone, and referrals for Methadone
• Alcohol Use Disorder: Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and Disulfiram
• Tobacco Use: Nicotine replacement therapy, Bupropion, and Varenicline

Integrated Lifestyle and Support Services

Healing from addiction means building a fulfilling life beyond substances. We support this transformation through:

• Family & Couples Therapy: Heal relationship damage and build healthy communication in recovery.
• Relapse Prevention Planning: Identify triggers, develop safety plans, and create strong support networks.
• Peer Support Referrals: Connect with local and virtual support communities like SMART Recovery or 12-step groups.

Trauma-Informed & Holistic Recovery

Many individuals with substance use disorders carry trauma that needs to be addressed safely. Our trauma-informed care ensures emotional safety while developing tools for regulation, boundary setting, and self-trust. We also incorporate mind-body techniques such as mindfulness, breathwork, and values-based planning to restore a sense of purpose and balance.

Your Recovery Story Starts Today

At Alice’s Psychiatry & Wellness, we know recovery is possible—because we’ve walked alongside individuals who have rebuilt lives full of connection, joy, and purpose. We don’t just treat symptoms; we empower people to heal, grow, and thrive.

If you’re ready to break free from addiction and embrace a new chapter, our compassionate team is here to help. Together, we’ll build a plan that honors your story and helps you move forward with confidence and support.

Contact us today to begin your journey toward lasting recovery and rediscovered independence.