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Addiction and substance use disorders can affect a person’s mental health, physical health, relationships, career, and overall quality of life. At Elmhurst Psychiatry, we provide compassionate, confidential psychiatric care for individuals experiencing concerns related to alcohol, prescription medications, opioids, stimulants, cannabis, and other substances.

Substance use disorders are medical and behavioral health conditions—not simply a matter of willpower. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) explains that scientific research has established addiction as a medical disorder involving changes in the brain and behavior.

Learn more about the science of addiction from NIDA

At Elmhurst Psychiatry, treatment is individualized and may include psychiatric evaluation, medication management when clinically appropriate, supportive treatment, and ongoing monitoring of both substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions.

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What Is a Substance Use Disorder?

A substance use disorder can develop when the use of alcohol, medications, or other substances becomes difficult to control and begins interfering with important areas of a person’s life.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some individuals may recognize increasing substance use themselves, while others may initially seek psychiatric treatment for anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, relationship problems, or difficulty functioning at work or school.

Common warning signs may include:

• Using more of a substance than intended

• Difficulty reducing or stopping use

• Strong cravings

• Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from substances

• Continued use despite relationship or health problems

• Difficulty meeting responsibilities at work, school, or home

• Developing tolerance and needing greater amounts

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms

• Giving up activities because of substance use

• Using alcohol or substances to cope with emotional distress

Substance use concerns do not have to reach a crisis before someone seeks professional help.

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Addiction and Mental Health

Mental health conditions and substance use problems frequently occur together.

Someone experiencing substance use concerns may also struggle with conditions such as:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• ADHD

• Bipolar disorder

• Trauma-related symptoms

• Sleep disorders

• Mood instability

• Stress-related conditions

For some people, alcohol or other substances initially become a way of coping with emotional distress. Over time, however, substance use can contribute to additional mental health, behavioral, physical, and relationship problems.

This is why psychiatric treatment should consider the whole person, rather than focusing only on substance use.

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Psychiatric Evaluation for Substance Use Concerns

A psychiatric evaluation gives your provider an opportunity to understand your symptoms, substance use history, medical history, medications, mental health concerns, and personal goals.

An evaluation may explore:

• Substances being used

• Amount and frequency of use

• Previous efforts to reduce or stop use

• Cravings

• Withdrawal symptoms

• Mood changes

• Anxiety

• Sleep patterns

• Current medications

• Medical conditions

• Family and relationship concerns

• Co-occurring psychiatric conditions

Patients should feel comfortable being open about substance use. Accurate information helps a provider make safer and more appropriate treatment recommendations.

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Medication Management

Medication may be an important part of treatment for some individuals with substance use disorders or accompanying psychiatric conditions.

When appropriate, a psychiatric provider may discuss available medications, possible risks and benefits, potential medication interactions, treatment goals, and follow-up monitoring.

Treatment is individualized because there is no single medication or treatment plan that is appropriate for every patient.

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Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use can gradually become difficult to control, and some individuals may not recognize the severity of the problem until it begins affecting health, relationships, work, or family responsibilities.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) provides information about alcohol use disorder and available treatment options. Federal data also show that many people with alcohol use disorder do not receive treatment, despite effective treatment options being available.

Learn about alcohol treatment from NIAAA

A psychiatric evaluation can help determine whether alcohol use may be connected with anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, trauma, or other mental health symptoms.

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Opioid Use Disorder

Opioid use disorder may involve prescription pain medications, heroin, fentanyl, or other opioids.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioid use disorder is a treatable chronic condition characterized by problematic opioid use that causes significant impairment or distress.

Learn more about opioid use disorder from the CDC

People experiencing opioid-related concerns should speak openly with a qualified healthcare professional so an appropriate level of treatment can be determined.

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Co-Occurring Disorders

Treating a co-occurring psychiatric condition can be an important component of recovery.

For example, untreated depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, bipolar disorder, or insomnia may contribute to continued substance use or make it more difficult for someone to maintain progress.

At Elmhurst Psychiatry, psychiatric treatment can address these conditions while considering how substance use may affect symptoms, medication selection, and the overall treatment plan.

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A Respectful and Nonjudgmental Approach

Fear of judgment can prevent people from seeking treatment.

Our goal is to provide an environment where patients can openly discuss their concerns and work collaboratively with their provider.

Substance use treatment should focus on safety, health, stability, and achievable goals rather than shame or criticism.

SAMHSA also emphasizes the importance of approaching individuals experiencing mental health or substance use concerns with support and without judgment.

Read SAMHSA guidance on supporting someone with substance use concerns

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Telepsychiatry for Patients Throughout Illinois

For eligible patients, telepsychiatry appointments may be available throughout Illinois.

Virtual psychiatric appointments can provide convenient access to ongoing psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and follow-up care without requiring patients to travel to the office for every appointment.

Availability of telepsychiatry and specific treatment services depends on the patient's individual clinical circumstances.

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Addiction and Substance Use Treatment Near Elmhurst, IL

Elmhurst Psychiatry provides psychiatric care for patients in Elmhurst and surrounding Illinois communities, including:

Elmhurst, Oak Brook, Lombard, Villa Park, Oak Park, Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, Addison, and surrounding Chicagoland communities.

Patients located elsewhere in Illinois may also be eligible for telepsychiatry services.

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When More Intensive Treatment May Be Necessary

Outpatient psychiatric care is not appropriate for every level of substance use disorder.

Some individuals may require:

• Medical detoxification

• Residential treatment

• Inpatient hospitalization

• Intensive outpatient treatment

• Partial hospitalization

• Specialized addiction treatment programs

A psychiatric provider can help determine whether another level of care or additional services should be considered.

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Overdose and Emergency Situations

Drug overdoses can be life-threatening. The CDC identifies overdose prevention as a major public health priority and provides guidance regarding overdose recognition and response.

Visit the CDC Overdose Prevention Center

If someone is unconscious, cannot be awakened, has severely slowed or stopped breathing, or may be experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately.

For a mental health or substance use crisis, individuals can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

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Finding Additional Substance Use Treatment Resources

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) operates a free and confidential national helpline for individuals and families experiencing mental health or substance use disorders. The service provides treatment referrals and information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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