Substance Use Treatment

Mountain Psychiatry offers treatment for most substance use disorders through private, outpatient care. When intensive outpatient or inpatient care is needed, referrals will be made.

For many of us, substance use offers a reprieve from painful emotions and is symptomatic of past trauma, shame, and other conditions that warrant care. I approach substance use treatment from a harm reduction model and work to meet the individual where they are in their motivation and engagement in care, all while making recommendations for whole person wellness and recovery.

Outpatient substance use treatment is appropriate for stable clients who are engaged in their recovery. Depending on the circumstances, individuals will be recommended to engage in supportive treatments, such as group meetings, drug and alcohol counseling, laboratory monitoring, medication management, or possibly, a higher level of care like Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) or inpatient care. In the event that family involvement would be beneficial, this may be recommended. Case consultation or medical team meetings may also be recommended to make sure that all providers are on the same page to provide higher quality care.

Benzodiazepines and treatment for benzodiazepine dependence

Due to the abundant evidence that benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonipin, Ativan, Valium, and others) can worsen depression and anxiety, disrupt sleep architecture, interfere with learning and memory consolidation, interfere with recovery from trauma, and place patients at a higher risk for abuse and dependency, I do not use benzodiazepines to treat anxiety, sleep, panic, or social anxiety.

Although I do not offer these medications to treat symptoms, I regularly work with patients to find effective alternatives and then slowly, gently, reduce and discontinue benzodiazepines and controlled sedative medications. If you are interested help getting off of benzodiazepines, please feel free to reach out.