Addiction

Addiction is a chronic brain disorder that causes a compulsive need to use substances or engage in risky behaviors despite the harm that may result. At Elevate Medical, the team of Yung Park, MD, Kevin Lemaire, DO, Sima Paul, MD, and Lesley Cano, PMHNP-BC, diagnose and treat addiction at their online practice based in New York City. The diverse team treats all ages, offering personalized plans that focus on you, not your diagnosis or symptoms. Call the Midtown Manhattan office today or schedule your addiction consultation using the online booking button.

Is addiction a disease?

Addiction is a chronic disease like diabetes and high blood pressure, requiring ongoing medical management. 

The disease affects the structure and function of the brain, causing strong urges that are difficult to ignore and leading to a compulsive need to use substances or engage in activities despite the harm it causes.

Substance use disorders are addictions to drugs (opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine) or alcohol. These substances activate the brain’s reward system, causing feelings of euphoria. The brain wants to re-experience this feeling, creating a craving for the substance and the urge to use.

Over time, the substance changes the brain, making it harder to stop. 

What causes addiction?

Addiction is complex and has many possible causes. Researchers theorize that an addiction develops from a combination of genetic, environmental, and social factors.

Not everyone who uses drugs or alcohol develops an addiction. Signs that you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction include:

• Unable to quit using despite a desire to stop
• Needing to take more to feel euphoric
• Strong cravings and urges to use
• Withdrawal symptoms when you cut back or stop using
• A preoccupation with the substance that affects personal and professional life

Addiction means the brain is dependent on the substance, creating the compulsive need to use it despite the problems it causes.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, schedule a consultation at Elevate Medical. The psychiatry practice believes recovery is possible at any stage.

What treatments help to treat addiction?

Before making any treatment recommendations, your provider at Elevate Medical conducts a thorough psychiatric evaluation to uncover the root cause of your addiction. 

They also look for underlying mental health conditions that co-occur with addiction, such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Once they understand you and your story, your provider talks to you about addiction and how it affects your life and health. Then, together, you create a plan that helps you recover and stay sober. 

Treatment for addiction may include:

• Individual and family psychotherapy
• Medication management
• Group therapy
• Referral to support groups

Addiction is a complex disease, and recovery is a life-long process. Elevate Medical helps you find your inner peace and create a stable foundation that you can build on. The practice provides all services virtually, making treatment convenient and private.

For compassionate addiction care, call Elevate Medical today or book an appointment online.