Addiction can affect anyone, and asking for help is an important first step toward change. At Mission Psychiatry, we provide compassionate, judgment-free psychiatric care for individuals struggling with substance use and compulsive behaviors. Our approach focuses on understanding the whole person, not just the behavior, and creating an individualized treatment plan to support lasting recovery. We provide psychiatric evaluation and medication management for concerns involving alcohol, tobacco and marijuana use, food and eating behaviors, gambling, pornography, and compulsive sexual behaviors. You don’t have to wait until things get worse to seek help. Recovery is possible and support is available.
What are Symptoms of Addiction?
Addiction can look different depending on the substance or behavior, but common signs include:
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Strong urges or cravings that feel difficult to control
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Difficulty cutting back or stopping, even when you want to
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Spending increasing amounts of time using a substance or engaging in a behavior
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Using or engaging more often or for longer than intended
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Continuing despite negative consequences to health, finances, work, school, or relationships
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Neglecting responsibilities or important activities
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Using the substance or behavior to cope with stress, anxiety, sadness, boredom, or other emotions
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Feeling restless, irritable, or uncomfortable when unable to engage in the behavior or use the substance
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Needing more over time to achieve the same effect in some forms of addiction
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Hiding, minimizing, or lying about the amount or frequency of use
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Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop or control the behavior
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Experiencing guilt, shame, or regret but continuing anyway
Addiction is a spectrum, and recognizing a pattern early can be an important reason to seek professional support.
How is Addiction Treated?
Addiction treatment is individualized based on the substance or behavior involved, the severity of symptoms, and each person’s unique needs. Treatment may include psychiatric evaluation, medication management, supportive therapy, behavioral strategies, and ongoing follow-up.
For some individuals, medications can help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal-related symptoms, or support healthier patterns and recovery. Treatment may also address underlying concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, or other mental health symptoms that can contribute to addictive or compulsive behaviors.