What Is Substance Abuse?

Substance Abuse occurs when alcohol or drug use becomes harmful or begins to interfere with responsibilities, relationships, or health. Addiction is not a moral failure—it is a medical condition that affects brain chemistry, decision-making, and emotional health. Recovery is possible with the right support.

Types & Symptoms

  • Alcohol misuse
  • Prescription medication misuse
  • Illicit substance use
  • Symptoms include cravings, withdrawal, loss of control, risky behaviors, and inability to reduce use

Causes & Risk Factors

Substance abuse may stem from trauma, stress, mental health disorders, genetics, or social environments. Many people use substances as a way to cope with emotional pain or instability.

Diagnosis & Testing

Diagnosis includes evaluating substance use history, co-existing mental health conditions, withdrawal risks, and functional impacts. A comprehensive assessment guides safe treatment planning.

Treatment

Treatment may include medication-assisted support, therapy, relapse-prevention planning, emotional stabilization, and long-term monitoring. Our approach is compassionate, confidential, and focused on empowering your recovery.

What We Do

We provide individualized psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and ongoing mental health care for a wide range of conditions:

Call to action: All services are offered remotely across Ohio, with in-person care when clinically necessary.