Substance Abuse Disorder

Substance use can leave people feeling trapped between cravings, withdrawal, guilt, and the fear of starting over again. At KZ Psychiatric Services in Barnhart, Missouri, Katrina Zlataric, PMHNP-BC, offers medication management for substance abuse disorder that helps you overcome addiction. She provides compassionate, judgment-free psychiatric care that supports recovery, stability, and improved mental health. Call KZ Psychiatric Services to schedule a consultation, or you can request one online today.

What is substance abuse disorder?

Substance abuse or substance use disorder is a medical condition that affects the brain, behavior, and ability to control alcohol or drug use. It doesn’t mean someone lacks willpower or character, just that substances have changed the way the brain responds to stress, reward, cravings, and decision-making.

Substance use may involve alcohol, opioids, stimulants, sedatives, cannabis, or several substances at once. Some people develop dependence after taking prescribed medication. Others start using substances to cope with problems like:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma
• Pain
• Grief
• Sleep problems

Katrina takes time to understand each patient’s history, symptoms, substance use patterns, medical needs, and recovery goals before recommending treatment.

What are the signs of substance abuse disorder?

Common signs of substance abuse include:

• Cravings or urges to use
• Needing more of a substance to feel the same effect
• Withdrawal symptoms when use slows or stops
• Using more than planned
• Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from substances
• Missing work, school, or family responsibilities
• Continuing use despite health or relationship problems
• Giving up hobbies or social activities
• Using substances in unsafe situations

Some people experience anxiety, depression, irritability, sleep problems, paranoia, or mood swings during active use or withdrawal.

What medications help with substance abuse disorder?

For opioid use disorder, medications containing buprenorphine and naloxone, such as Suboxone®, may help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine supports stability by acting on opioid receptors without producing the same intense high as many opioids.

For alcohol use disorder, naltrexone reduces alcohol cravings and the rewarding effects of drinking. Acamprosate may support brain chemistry during abstinence. Disulfiram creates an unpleasant reaction when someone drinks alcohol.

Can medications help with withdrawal symptoms?

Certain medications may help manage withdrawal symptoms, depending on the substance and the level of risk. Withdrawal from alcohol, benzodiazepines, or heavy sedative use can become dangerous and may require a higher level of medical care or supervised detox.

For milder withdrawal symptoms, Katrina may consider medications that help with:

• Nausea
• Sleep problems
• Anxiety
• Diarrhea
• Muscle aches
• Restlessness
• Irritability

She also evaluates whether symptoms point to depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or another psychiatric condition that needs treatment.

Therapy often plays an important role in substance abuse disorder recovery. Counseling may help patients identify triggers, manage cravings, process trauma, repair relationships, and develop safer coping strategies.

Call KZ Psychiatric Services or book an appointment online today for treatment that supports recovery from substance misuse.