Addiction Treatment from a Psychiatry Perspective
Compassionate, Evidence-Based Support for Substance Use & Behavioral Addictions
At Arizona Mental Wellness, we understand addiction as a medical and psychiatric condition, not a moral failing. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder involving changes in brain chemistry, reward pathways, emotional regulation, and behavior.
Our approach is rooted in compassion, neurobiology, trauma-informed care, and whole-person treatment.
We integrate psychiatric medicine, therapy, and behavioral interventions to help individuals move toward stability, health, and long-term recovery. What Is Addiction? — NIDA
“The team at Arizona Mental Wellness made me feel understood from the very first appointment.
They looked at the whole picture — my stress, anxiety, sleep, and past experiences — not just the addiction itself. It was the first time I felt supported without judgment.”
— Client Testimonial
“The level of professionalism and care here is unmatched.
Every visit felt collaborative and empowering.
My provider took time to explain treatment options clearly, helped me manage cravings safely, and made sure I never felt alone in the process.”
— Client Testimonial
“Arizona Mental Wellness changed the way I understand addiction and my own mental health.
The combination of medication support and emotional guidance helped me rebuild stability and confidence.
I finally feel like I’m getting my life back.”
— Client Testimonial
Experience Comprehensive Healing and Lasting Recovery
Discover how our integrated addiction treatment combines medical and therapeutic care to support your full recovery journey.
Personalized Psychiatric Evaluations
Our expert assessments identify underlying mental health conditions, ensuring tailored treatment plans that address your unique needs.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Options
We incorporate proven medication therapies to ease withdrawal and reduce cravings, enhancing your chances for sustained sobriety.
Compassionate Therapy and Support
Licensed counselors provide empathetic guidance and evidence-based therapies that foster emotional healing and resilience.
Comprehensive Addiction Treatment
Explore our integrated approach combining psychiatric evaluation, medication-assisted therapy, and compassionate counseling to support lasting recovery.
Psychiatric Evaluation
The first step in treatment is a full psychiatric evaluation that explores the “why” behind substance use and identifies co-occurring conditions that contribute to the cycle of addiction.Your evaluation may explore:
- Substance use history and patterns
- Co-occurring conditions (e.g., Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, bipolar)
- Trauma history and environmental stressors
- Family and medical history
- Sleep, mood instability, and nervous system dysregulation
- Social supports and coping mechanisms
Identifying these factors helps build an individualized, evidence-based treatment plan SAMHSA – Screening & Assessment for Co-Occurring Disorders
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) & Pharmacotherapy
Evidence-based use of medications to reduce cravings and support the recovery process.
Psychiatric medication can play a critical role in addiction recovery by:
- Reducing cravings
- Supporting mood stabilization
- Improving sleep
- Reducing anxiety
- Helping regulate impulse control
- Supporting trauma stabilization
Depending on your needs, treatment may include:
For Substance Use Disorders
Long-acting injectable naltrexone where appropriate
Buprenorphine or Naltrexone for opioid or alcohol use
Personalized therapy sessions focused on healing the whole person for sustainable wellness.
For Co-Occurring Psychiatric Conditions
- SSRIs/SNRIs for depression, anxiety, and trauma symptoms
- Non-addictive sleep medications for insomnia
- Non-benzodiazepine anxiety options
- ADHD medication management when attention, impulsivity, or executive dysfunction complicate recovery
Medication is always one part of a collaborative care plan, not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Your Recovery, Our Commitment
Addiction recovery is absolutely possible — and it starts with a supportive partnership grounded in science, safety, and compassion.
Our psychiatry team is here to help you regain control, rebuild self-trust, and move toward long-term healing..
Behavioral & Process Addictions
Addiction doesn’t only involve substances.
We provide psychiatric and therapeutic support for:
- Eating disorders →
https://arizonamentalwellness.com/psychiatry/eating-disorders-psychiatry/ - Compulsive sexual behaviors
- Codependency and relationship addiction
- Gambling addiction
- Technology and screen-related compulsions
These conditions share underlying mechanisms such as emotional numbing, shame cycles, and dysregulated reward pathways.
Our trauma-informed approach helps address these patterns with care and respect.
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Dual Diagnosis: Treating Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
Most individuals with addiction experience co-occurring disorders, including Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, & Bipolar Disorder. Untreated psychiatric symptoms often drive substance use as a form of coping.
Our dual-diagnosis approach stabilizes the nervous system, improves emotional regulation, and reduces relapse risk.
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Collaborative, Integrated Care
Psychiatry and therapy work best together. We collaborate closely with your therapy team. Focusing on Trigger identification, coping skills & relapse prevention, Trauma healing, Attachment repair, Emotional regulation, Boundary-setting and communication, & family or relationship recovery. This integrated, biophyshosocial model treats the WHOLE PERSON, not just the symptoms.
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Telepsychiatry & Ongoing Support
Recovery requires consistency and long-term care.
Our telehealth services ensure ongoing access to:
- Medication management
- Relapse-prevention planning
- Trauma stabilization
- Sleep and stress monitoring
Telehealth is ideal for clients across Arizona or those balancing work, school, or family commitments.
What Our Clients Have Asked:
Q: What is addiction treatment from a psychiatric perspective?
A: Addiction treatment in psychiatry focuses on how substance use affects the brain, mood, behavior, and nervous system. Treatment may include medication, therapy, and support strategies that address both the biological and psychological aspects of addiction.
A: Depending on the type of addiction, treatment may include medications such as buprenorphine or naltrexone for opioid or alcohol use disorders, as well as non-addictive medications for sleep, anxiety, and mood stabilization. Medication is always tailored to individual needs.
A: MAT is an evidence-based approach combining medications with therapy and behavioral support. It helps reduce cravings, stabilize the nervous system, and improve participation in recovery. MAT is considered a safe and effective treatment for many people.
Q: What is dual-diagnosis treatment?
A: Dual-diagnosis treatment addresses both addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or ADHD. Treating both conditions at the same time improves long-term recovery outcomes and reduces relapse risk.
A: Yes. Many aspects of addiction treatment, including psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and relapse-prevention support, can be safely and effectively provided through secure telehealth appointments.
A: Yes. Psychiatric care can help with behavioral addictions such as eating disorders, compulsive sexual behaviors, gambling, technology overuse, and codependency. Treatment focuses on understanding emotional triggers, reducing compulsive behaviors, and improving regulation.