Addiction Medicine

How is addiction a disease?

Addiction, also called substance use disorder (SUD), is a disease because of how it changes the structure and function of the brain. Addiction affects your brain’s reward center. When you use drugs or alcohol, it triggers this system, producing feelings of euphoria.

Your brain remembers this feeling, leading to cravings for the substance so it can recreate the experience. Continued use of the substance causes a compulsive need for it despite the harm it causes.

When do I need addiction medicine?

You or someone you love may benefit from addiction medicine if there’s concern about unhealthy use of drugs or alcohol or harmful behaviors like gambling. Addiction medicine is an area of health care that specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating addiction. 

You also need addiction medicine if you or someone you love has an addiction. Signs and symptoms of an addiction include:

• Misusing drugs or alcohol
• Problems at work or school
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Lack of motivation
• Neglecting appearance
• Always thinking about the substance
• Unable to stop using despite the desire to do so
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop
• Poor decision-making
• Engaging in unlawful or harmful activities to use

Mountcastle Medical & Med Spa is a multispecialty clinic that is dedicated to meeting the health needs of the community they serve, and they have practitioners who specialize in addiction medicine.

What can I expect from addiction medicine?

You can expect compassionate and comprehensive care from the addiction medicine specialists at Mountcastle Medical & Med Spa. 

Your provider performs a thorough evaluation at your initial visit to understand your addiction and concerns. They review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and run lab work to assess organ function. 

The addiction specialists also ask about your daily routine and outside support system and spend time talking to you about your disorder and treatments.

What are addiction medicine treatments?

The team at Mountcastle Medical & Med Spa customizes addiction medicine treatment plans based on the substance or behavior causing the addiction, related health problems, symptoms, and medical history. 

For opioid use disorder (addiction to opioids), the team provides medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with Suboxone® or buprenorphine. These medications reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms and help with recovery.

Your addiction medicine treatment plan may also include behavioral therapy, group therapy, and medication to treat any underlying mental health condition. 

Call Mountcastle Medical & Med Spa today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about addiction medicine.