Frequently Asked Questions

There are numerous signs that you may want to seek help. You may start to wonder about needing behavioral health help when you feel overwhelmed and unable to cope with daily living. You may have lost interest in activities you normally enjoy, worry excessively, sleep poorly, think unusual thoughts or become unusually forgetful.

In severe situations, family, friends or doctors may express concern about you. “You just don’t seem like yourself. What’s wrong?” They may tell you your drinking is out of control or that you’ve become irritable and angry. Or they may simply pull away from you, leaving you feeling abandoned and alone.

There are numerous ways to determine if you should take the next step and seek professional help. You might start by talking to your family doctor about your concerns. Your doctor may suggest you see a behavioral health professional for an evaluation.

Of course, if you are in extreme distress, perhaps in danger of harming yourself or others, please seek help immediately by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room.

There are signs and symptoms for many behavioral health problems. However, you must remember that only a behavioral health professional can properly diagnose these problems

Your call will be answered by a behavioral health professional who can discuss your concerns and problems. This call is confidential and will provide you with information to better understand and plan positive options.

According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, addiction is a disease that affects brain structure and function, resulting in a person’s inability to stop using a substance without physical and psychological consequences.

Addiction is a Mental Health disorder that also results in a diminished ability to control behaviors and to recognize the consequences of continued substance use. It is a chronic condition that, without treatment, can lead to disability or even death. However, like other chronic illnesses, addiction can be managed through specialized treatment.

An intervention is required when a person’s substance abuse has begun to disrupt the ability to function normally on a daily basis. According to the criteria in DSM-5, signs that it may be time to seek treatment include:

• Inability to keep up with daily work, school, and other responsibilities due to substance use

• Diminished interest in activities that used to be enjoyed

• Extensive time and resources spent seeking the substance

• Relationship damage due to substance use

• Inability to stop using the substance even in light of negative consequences

• Strong cravings for the substance

• Withdrawal symptoms that occur if substance use is stopped

These and other negative effects on the person’s behavior and ability to thrive indicate that a substance use disorder may be present, and it’s time to seek professional help to diagnose and treat the issue.

Addiction Medicine (is recognized physician subspecialty of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Credentialed Addiction Medicine sub-specialists serve as clinical experts, faculty, teachers, and researchers.

Addiction Medicine specialists provide prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment services for patients with substance use or substance-related health conditions. Addiction Medicine specialists also help family members who are affected by a loved one’s substance use or addiction.

For a list of Addiction Medicine Specialist

ASAM Physician Directory