Addiction Specialist

What is addiction?

Addictions occur when you’re unable to stop using substances or participating in unhealthy behaviors. You could develop an addiction to:

• Opioids 
• Illicit drugs
• Nicotine
• Alcohol
• Gambling
• Sexual behaviors
• Eating
• Spending money

You may have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you attempt to stop using a substance, but help is within reach. Treatment with Dr. DeLuca can help you break addictive habits and get your life back on track.

What are the symptoms of addiction?

If you have an addiction, you may notice some of the following signs or symptoms:

• Inability to stop using a substance
• Withdrawal symptoms (shaking, sweating, feeling sick, etc.)
• Destructive behavior
• Problems at work, school, or in relationships
• Physical aches and pains
• Cognitive impairment
• Constantly thinking about a substance or behaviors
• Illegal activity
• Eating too much or too little

Seek help at the first sign of a destructive addiction, as the earlier you get treated, the better your chance of an effective outcome. 

What are the risk factors for addiction?

Many addictions result after trying to cope with trauma. They can occur because of a lost job, divorce, death in the family, traumatic situation, abuse, or financial struggles. Family history of addictions or having certain personality traits also puts you at risk of addiction. Additional risk factors include depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

How does a psychiatrist diagnose addiction?

To diagnose an addiction and develop a treatment plan, Dr. DeLuca discusses your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. He completes a comprehensive physical exam and psychiatric assessment by asking you a series of questions about your habits, emotions, and mental health.

He could recommend you complete blood tests, urine testing, or other diagnostic tests before tailoring a treatment that best matches your needs.

What are common treatments for addiction?

Treatments Dr. DeLuca may suggest you try to beat an addiction include:

• Lifestyle changes
• Medications
• Psychotherapy
• Counseling
• Group programs
• In-patient facility

Dr. DeLuca provides behavior change therapies and other treatments to help you break addiction once and for all. Taking certain medicines can reduce cravings for unhealthy substances or diminish withdrawal symptoms during your treatment.

Medications also help reduce mental health struggles associated with substance abuse disorder. Dr. DeLuca can refer you to superior treatment programs if needed.

To learn more about addiction or get treated for one, call Mark DeLuca, MD, or schedule an appointment online today.