Addiction and substance use disorders are serious, complex medical conditions — not moral failures or signs of weakness. They affect millions of people across the United States and can devastate health, relationships, careers, and quality of life. Yet with the right psychiatric care, recovery is absolutely possible.
At PsychBright Health, our board-certified psychiatrists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of addiction and substance use disorders. We take a compassionate, non-judgmental approach — meeting patients where they are and building individualized treatment plans that support lasting recovery. Whether you are in Los Angeles or anywhere else in California, we are here to help.
A substance use disorder (SUD) is a medical condition in which a person’s use of alcohol or drugs causes significant impairment or distress. It is characterized by a pattern of compulsive use despite negative consequences — including health problems, relationship difficulties, financial strain, and legal issues.
Substance use disorders exist on a spectrum from mild to severe, and they involve real changes in brain chemistry and structure that drive compulsive use even when a person wants to stop. This is why willpower alone is rarely sufficient — effective treatment addresses the underlying neurobiology alongside the psychological and social factors driving use.
Our psychiatrists are experienced in evaluating and treating a wide range of substance use disorders, including:
Alcohol Use Disorder
One of the most prevalent substance use disorders, alcohol use disorder involves a problematic pattern of drinking that causes distress or impairment. It ranges from mild to severe and can have serious physical health consequences including liver disease, cardiovascular damage, and neurological effects.
Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid use disorder involves dependence on prescription opioids (such as oxycodone or hydrocodone) or illicit opioids such as heroin or fentanyl. It carries significant risks including overdose, and responds well to medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Learn more about our Medication-Assisted Treatment and In-Home Opioid Detox.
Stimulant Use Disorder
Includes problematic use of cocaine, methamphetamine, or prescription stimulants. Stimulant use disorder can cause significant psychiatric symptoms including paranoia, psychosis, anxiety, and severe depression during withdrawal.
Cannabis Use Disorder
Despite widespread perception that cannabis is not addictive, a significant proportion of regular users develop cannabis use disorder — characterized by inability to cut down, continued use despite negative consequences, and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.
Benzodiazepine Use Disorder
Dependence on prescription benzodiazepines (such as Xanax, Valium, or Klonopin) is a growing concern. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be medically dangerous and requires careful, supervised management.
Sedative, Hypnotic, and Anxiolytic Use Disorders
Including dependence on sleep medications and other CNS depressants.
Co-occurring Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders
Many patients with substance use disorders also have co-occurring psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or ADHD — a situation known as a dual diagnosis. Treating both conditions simultaneously is essential for lasting recovery.
Substance use disorders can be difficult to recognize, particularly in the earlier stages when use still feels manageable. Signs that substance use may have become a disorder include:
Substance use disorders are diagnosed through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. A psychiatrist reviews the pattern, frequency, and consequences of substance use, assesses physical dependence and withdrawal risk, evaluates co-occurring mental health conditions, and reviews medical and psychiatric history.
Diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) are used to confirm the diagnosis and determine severity. Medical evaluation may also be recommended to assess physical health consequences of substance use.
Identifying and treating co-occurring mental health conditions — such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or ADHD — is an essential part of comprehensive addiction treatment, as these conditions are often a driving force behind substance use.
Addiction is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors. Understanding these helps our psychiatrists build more effective, personalized treatment plans.
Common contributing factors include:
Seeking help for a substance use disorder is one of the most important decisions a person can make. You should consider speaking with a psychiatrist if:
If any of these resonate with you, a psychiatric evaluation is a strong next step. There is no judgment here — only support.
At PsychBright Health, we take a comprehensive, compassionate, and evidence-based approach to addiction treatment. We understand that substance use disorders are medical conditions driven by complex factors — and that recovery is a process, not an event. Our psychiatrists work closely with each patient to understand their unique situation and build a treatment plan that gives them the best chance of lasting recovery.
Every patient begins with a thorough psychiatric evaluation to assess the nature and severity of the substance use disorder, identify any co-occurring mental health conditions, evaluate withdrawal risk, and understand the patient’s history, goals, and circumstances. This evaluation forms the foundation of an individualized treatment plan.
Medication-Assisted Treatment combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral support to treat substance use disorders. MAT is particularly effective for opioid and alcohol use disorders and significantly reduces the risk of relapse and overdose.
Learn more about our Medication-Assisted Treatment program.
For patients requiring opioid detoxification, we offer a supervised in-home detox program that allows patients to safely manage withdrawal in the comfort and privacy of their own home. Learn more about our In-Home Opioid Detox service.
Treating co-occurring psychiatric conditions is central to our addiction treatment approach. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD are common drivers of substance use — and without addressing them, relapse risk remains high. Our psychiatrists treat both the substance use disorder and any co-occurring conditions simultaneously. Learn more about our treatment for Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD.
Behavioral therapies are an essential component of addiction treatment. We coordinate with therapists providing evidence-based approaches including:
Recovery is supported by broader lifestyle changes that reduce relapse risk and support overall wellbeing, including regular exercise, sleep hygiene, stress management, social connection, and nutritional support.
Recovery is an ongoing process. We provide regular follow-up appointments — in-person or via Telepsychiatry — to monitor progress, manage medications, address setbacks without judgment, and provide continuous support throughout the recovery journey.
We offer secure, HIPAA-compliant video appointments for patients throughout California. Telepsychiatry removes barriers to care — including stigma, transportation, and scheduling — that can prevent people from seeking help for substance use disorders.
Substance use disorders frequently co-occur with other mental health conditions. At PsychBright Health, we also provide psychiatric care for:
Recovery from addiction opens the door to a life that substance use had closed off. Patients who engage in treatment report improvements in physical health, mental clarity, relationships, financial stability, and overall sense of purpose. The shame, secrecy, and isolation that addiction creates begin to lift. Family relationships heal. Career trajectories improve. And perhaps most significantly, patients rediscover a sense of agency over their own lives — the ability to make choices based on their values rather than their cravings.
Recovery is not a straight line, but with the right support, it is absolutely achievable — and it is worth it.
Yes. Addiction is recognized as a chronic brain disorder by every major medical organization, including the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, and the National Institutes of Health. It involves real changes in brain structure and function and responds to medical treatment just like other chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.
MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. It is the most effective treatment approach for opioid use disorder and is highly effective for alcohol use disorder. Medications such as buprenorphine and naltrexone reduce cravings, prevent withdrawal, and significantly lower the risk of relapse and overdose.
No. Many people seek help while still ambivalent about stopping. Our psychiatrists are trained in motivational approaches and meet patients wherever they are in their readiness to change. Starting a conversation with a psychiatrist is a positive step regardless of where you are in the process.
Relapse is a common part of the recovery process for many people — it does not mean treatment has failed or that recovery is impossible. It often signals that the treatment plan needs to be adjusted. We approach relapse without judgment and work with patients to understand what happened and strengthen the recovery plan going forward.
Yes. Treating co-occurring mental health conditions alongside substance use disorders is central to our approach. Leaving an underlying condition like depression, anxiety, or PTSD untreated dramatically increases relapse risk.
Yes. We offer secure, HIPAA-compliant video appointments for patients across California, including for medication-assisted treatment, evaluation, and follow-up care.
Yes. PsychBright Health accepts most major insurance plans. Call us at (213) 584-2331 to confirm your coverage.
We typically offer same-week appointments. Call (213) 584-2331 or submit a request online and our team will follow up within one business day.
You do not have to face addiction alone. Our experienced psychiatric team is ready to help — with compassion, expertise, and a treatment plan built around your specific needs and goals.
Schedule an appointment with a board-certified psychiatrist at PsychBright Health today. Telepsychiatry appointments are available across California.
Call (213) 584-2331 or submit an appointment request online.
1180 S Beverly Dr #700, Los Angeles, CA 90035 · Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Recovery is possible. Take the first step toward a healthier, substance-free life with expert support.
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