Addiction

Drug addictions are common, affecting 10% of United States adults at some point during their lives. At Richmond Primary Care Specialists in the Prince’s Bay neighborhood of Staten Island, New York City, experienced medical specialists offer addiction treatments for drugs, alcohol, or other addictions that impact your quality of life. Schedule an evaluation by phone or request one online today to learn more.

What is an addiction?

An addiction is a condition in which you’re unable to stop doing things that are harmful, such as drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, using illicit drugs, smoking, taking pain medications or other opioids, or gambling. 

Addictions affect your brain’s behavior and contribute to an inability to control substance misuse. Addictive substances include marijuana, nicotine, fentanyl, codeine, cocaine, heroin, and many other drugs.

What are the symptoms of an addiction?

The symptoms of an addiction include:

• Withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit using a substance
• Needing more and more of a substance
• Feeling high or drunk
• Extreme urges for substances or habits
• Spending money on drugs that you can’t afford 
• Money problems
• Risky behaviors
• Not being able to stop using a substance despite wanting to
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Red eyes
• Neglected appearance
• Irritability
• Behavior changes
• Slowed reaction times

Addictions can cause problems with your job, school, or social interactions. They increase the risk of car accidents, falls, and other accidents.

Withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit may include intense cravings, sweating, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, seizures, and feeling physically ill. You might develop anxiety or depression. 

What may increase the risk of an addiction?

Anyone can develop an addiction, but common risk factors include:

• Family history of addiction
• Brain changes
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Other mental health disorders
• Lack of a strong social support network
• Peer pressure
• Trying harmful substances at an early age
• Taking highly addictive drugs

Ways to reduce the risk of an addiction include not trying highly addictive substances, maintaining a strong social support network, and getting treated for any mental health conditions. 

How are addictions diagnosed?

Diagnosing addictions involves a discussion of your symptoms and medical history. Your Richmond Primary Care Specialists provider completes a psychiatric evaluation by asking detailed questions about your behaviors, moods, emotions, and thoughts. They also complete a physical exam and may order urine, blood, or other lab tests. 

How are addictions treated?

Addictions are commonly treated with medications, lifestyle changes, and therapy. Some medicines reduce cravings for harmful substances or lessen withdrawal symptoms. The Richmond Primary Care Specialists team can refer you to a therapist for individual, family, or group therapy sessions.

It’s also important to minimize stress, eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid situations that trigger substance misuse (such as peer pressure).

Schedule an addiction evaluation at Richmond Primary Care Specialists by phone or request one online today.