Substance Use Disorder

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex medical condition that can affect every aspect of a person's life, including their physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. At Healing Hope Suboxone, Addiction Recovery & Psychiatry, Tammi Bancroft, FNP-C, provides compassionate, evidence-based care to help individuals regain control and build a foundation for lasting recovery. Tammi offers in-person and virtual care from the practice's main location in Colorado and also provides virtual appointments for patients throughout Arizona. Call the office or request an appointment online today to schedule an evaluation.

What is substance use disorder?

Substance use disorder is a medical condition characterized by the continued use of alcohol or drugs despite negative consequences. Individuals with SUD may find it increasingly difficult to control their use, experience strong cravings, or continue using substances even when doing so affects their health, relationships, finances, or responsibilities.

The severity of substance use disorder can range from mild to severe. Early intervention can often improve outcomes and help prevent the condition from progressing.

What are the signs that my substance use has become problematic?

Several warning signs may indicate that substance use has become a concern. These can include:

• Using substances more frequently or in larger amounts than intended
• Experiencing strong cravings or urges to use
• Difficulty cutting back or stopping despite repeated attempts
• Neglecting work, school, family, or personal responsibilities
• Continuing to use despite physical, emotional, or social consequences
• Developing tolerance and needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using

If these signs are present, seeking professional evaluation can help determine whether treatment may be beneficial.

How is substance use disorder treated?

Treatment for substance use disorder is individualized based on a person's unique needs, substance use history, and recovery goals. Tammi may utilize a combination of approaches, including psychiatric evaluation, medication-assisted treatment (when appropriate), relapse prevention strategies, behavioral interventions, and ongoing recovery support.

Telehealth services allow patients to receive expert care without traveling to an office, making treatment more accessible and convenient.

Can substance use disorder occur alongside other mental health conditions?

Yes. Many individuals with substance use disorder also experience conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, bipolar disorder, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Comprehensive psychiatric care can help identify and address both substance use concerns and co-occurring mental health conditions to support more effective long-term recovery.

Is telehealth effective for substance use disorder treatment?

Research continues to demonstrate that telehealth can be an effective way to deliver addiction treatment for many individuals. Virtual appointments provide access to specialized care while reducing barriers such as transportation challenges, scheduling difficulties, and geographic limitations. Patients can receive ongoing support, monitoring, and treatment recommendations from experienced addiction psychiatry professionals without leaving home.

For individuals seeking substance use disorder treatment, Healing Hope Suboxone, Addiction Recovery & Psychiatry can help. Call the office or request a telehealth appointment online today.