Drug Use Disorder

Our approach to drug use disorder care

We recognize addiction is more than just a physical illness — it's a life-altering challenge that impacts every aspect of your life. Our complete and compassionate approach to addiction treatment is centered on the belief that everyone deserves a chance at recovery. Led by Dr. Mitchell Crawford, a renowned psychiatrist specializing in addiction medicine, our expert team personalizes treatment plans to each individual. We aim to help you break the chains of addiction, restore hope and wellness, rebuild trust with loved ones and reclaim your life.

Signs and symptoms of drug use disorder

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of substance use disorder is crucial for early intervention and effective treatment.

Common signs and symptoms of substance use disorder include:

• Difficulty controlling drug use, taking larger amounts or using for longer periods than intended
• Persistent and intense desire or urge to use the substance
• Prioritizing drug use over important responsibilities at work, school or home
• Social withdrawal from friends, family and social activities
• Needing more of the substance to achieve the desired effect
• Deterioration of physical health, such as weight loss, fatigue or noticeable changes in appearance
• Engaging in illegal activities to obtain drugs and facing legal or financial issues as a result
• Ignoring negative impacts on physical or mental health
• Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable or important
• Unexplained changes in behavior, mood swings or sudden shifts in personality
• Engaging in secretive or deceptive behavior to hide drug use
• Experiencing physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop or reduce drug use

When to seek care for drug use disorder

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it's important to reach out to your doctor or our team of specialists. Early detection and intervention are crucial in managing substance use disorders. Our team is here to provide support, guidance and the necessary treatment to help you or your loved one on the path to recovery.

Diagnosing drug use disorder

• Free screening — We offer free, confidential screenings to help you determine if you or someone you know may have a substance use disorder.
• Extensive interview — Our team will conduct a comprehensive interview to understand your health history, substance use and any co-occurring mental health conditions.
• Physical check-up —  A physical exam will help us assess your overall health and identify any physical effects of substance use.
• Lab tests — Blood, urine or other tests may be performed to detect substances in your body and evaluate their impact on your organs.
• Psychological evaluation — We will assess your mental health to identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to your substance use.
• Family involvement — When appropriate, we may gather information from family members or friends to gain a more comprehensive understanding of your situation.
• Dual diagnosis — If you have both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition, we will develop a treatment plan that addresses both issues simultaneously.
• Severity assessment — We will evaluate the severity of your substance use disorder to determine the most appropriate level of care.

Treatment options for drug use disorder

Our team of compassionate addiction specialists is here to provide expert care and support. We will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include any of the following options:

• Out-patient treatment programs: Our out-patient programs include a variety of services, such as group therapy, individual counseling and medication-assisted treatment.
• Recovery support: We provide a range of recovery support services, from legal assistance to transportation, to help you address challenges you may face during recovery.
• Rehabilitation and medically supervised withdrawal management: If you need medically supervised withdrawal management or intensive rehab, we can refer you to a facility near you.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT is an effective treatment option for opioid use disorder that combines counseling with medications such as buprenorphine to treat substance use disorders. It is considered the "gold standard" in care.
• Primary care: Our primary care providers are here to support you throughout your recovery journey and can help you manage any health conditions that arise.
• Family therapy: We help you and your loved ones address the impact of addiction on your relationships and learn healthy coping mechanisms.
• Referral to in-patient treatment facility: If needed, we will refer you to in-patient treatment for more intensive care.

Pregnant and struggling with drug addiction?

Our Foundations Pregnancy Support Services team provides you and your baby with gentle support throughout your recovery journey.

In addition to addiction treatment, you can get neonatal abstinent withdrawal education, prenatal to postnatal services, health advice, physical supplies, transportation and emotional support via your personal recovery team.