Arizona Mental Wellness

Substance Use Psychiatry

Compassionate, Judgment-Free Psychiatric Care for Substance Use & Addiction

Substance use is often a response to pain, trauma, overwhelm, or emotional distress — not a moral failure. At Arizona Mental Wellness, we provide nonjudgmental, evidence-based psychiatric care for individuals navigating alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, opioids, prescription medications, or behavioral addictions.

Our role is to understand the why behind substance use, support underlying conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, sleep disruptions, and neurodivergence, and help you build safer, healthier coping patterns at a pace that feels right for you.

You deserve care that respects your dignity — and supports real, sustainable change.

Understanding Substance Use Through a Psychiatric Lens

Substance use is complex and influenced by several interconnected factors:

Mental Health Conditions

Many people use substances to self-regulate symptoms related to:

Biological & Neurological Factors

Trauma & Life Experience

  • Childhood or relational trauma
  • Medical or workplace trauma
  • Attachment injuries
  • Grief, loss, or sudden life changes

Environmental Factors

  • Family dynamics
  • Peer culture
  • High-stress careers (especially healthcare)
  • Community access and norms

Specialized Support for Neurodivergence

Many neurodivergent individuals use substances to manage:

  • Sensory overwhelm
  • Sleep problems
  • Emotional intensity
  • Social burnout
  • Rejection sensitivity
  • Executive dysfunction

Our approach addresses root causes — not just the behavior.

Comprehensive Substance Use Psychiatry

Explore our compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care designed to support recovery from substance use and addiction.

Signs You May Benefit From Psychiatric Support

You do not need to be “severely addicted” to seek care.

You may benefit from support if you experience:

  • Using substances to cope with emotions or stress
  • Difficulty cutting back
  • Using more than intended
  • Withdrawal symptoms
  • Tolerance increases
  • Relationship strain
  • Decline in functioning
  • Using despite negative consequences
  • Emotional instability when sober
  • Feeling guilt, shame, or worry about your use

Early intervention creates better long-term outcomes.

A Harm Reduction Approach

Our philosophy is simple:

  • You’re welcome even if you’re not ready to stop.
  • We support safer use, reduced use, or sobriety — your choice.
  • No shame, no lectures, no ultimatums.
  • You set the pace. We support your goals.

Your safety, autonomy, and wellbeing always come first.

When to Seek Immediate Support

Urgent help may be needed for:

  • Severe withdrawal
  • Hallucinations during withdrawal
  • Confusion or delirium tremens
  • Overdose symptoms
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Medical instability

If you’re unsure, reach out — we can guide next steps safely.

Psychiatric Evaluation for Substance Use

Your evaluation is collaborative and nonjudgmental. We explore:

  • Substance use patterns
  • Triggers and frequency
  • Withdrawal experiences
  • Mood, anxiety, trauma, or sleep symptoms
  • Medical conditions
  • Past treatments
  • Motivation and goals
  • Barriers and strengths
  • Social environment
  • Family or genetic influences

We work together to create a personalized plan that feels realistic and supportive.

Medication-Assisted Support for Substance Use

Medication can reduce cravings, ease withdrawal, regulate mood, and support safer patterns. Treatment is always collaborative.

For Alcohol Use Disorder

  • Gabapentin (for cravings, anxiety, sleep)
  • Naltrexone (oral or injectable)
  • Acamprosate

For Opioid Use Disorder

  • Buprenorphine/Suboxone
  • Naltrexone
  • Clonidine or lofexidine for withdrawal

For Stimulant Use (Cocaine, Methamphetamine)

  • Bupropion
  • Mirtazapine
  • ADHD evaluation & treatment when appropriate
  • Sleep stabilization

For Cannabis Use Disorder

  • Support for irritability, sleep, and anxiety
  • Medication to stabilize mood during reduction

For Behavioral Addictions (gambling, pornography, compulsive spending)

  • SSRIs/SNRIs
  • Naltrexone (impulse-driven addictions)

Treating Co-Occurring Conditions

Addressing underlying issues often reduces cravings:

Healing happens faster when the whole picture is treated.

Recovery Isn’t Linear — and You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Whether your goal is harm reduction, decreased use, improved mental health, or full sobriety, our psychiatric team will support you with compassion, flexibility, and evidence-based care.

Psychiatry + Therapy = Best Outcomes

While medication stabilizes cravings, sleep, and emotional reactivity, therapy helps you build long-term coping and process root causes.

Substance Use in Neurodivergent Individuals

Neurodivergent adults may use substances to manage:

  • Emotional intensity
  • Overstimulation
  • Sleep difficulty
  • Social anxiety
  • Performance demands
  • RSD (rejection sensitivity dysphoria)
  • Hyperfocus cycles

Our care is neurodiversity-affirming and focuses on:

  • Reducing shame
  • Improving nervous system regulation
  • Tailoring medication gently
  • Supporting executive functioning
  • Understanding sensory needs

Your brain deserves compassion — not blame.

Q: How can a psychiatric provider help with substance use concerns?

A: A psychiatric provider evaluates your substance use patterns, explores underlying mental health factors, and develops a personalized treatment plan that may include medication, coping strategies, and harm reduction support.

Q: What medications are used to support recovery from substance use?

A: Depending on the substance, medications may be used for cravings, withdrawal management, anxiety, depression, or sleep problems. Treatment is individualized and focused on safety and long-term success.

Q: Can I discuss my substance use without being judged?

A: Yes. Psychiatric care is confidential and nonjudgmental. Providers offer a supportive environment focused on understanding, safety, and improvement—not shame.

Q: Do mental health disorders and substance use often occur together?

A: Yes. Conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, and ADHD frequently overlap with substance use. Treating both together leads to stronger outcomes and reduced relapse risk.

Q: Do I need to stop using substances before seeing a psychiatric provider?

A: No. You can begin care at any stage, whether you’re reducing use, exploring harm reduction, or working toward sobriety. Your goals guide treatment.