Substance use is more common than many people realize, and it can affect anyone—regardless of age, background, or circumstance. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, it’s important to know that it’s not a moral failing. It’s a medical condition that can be treated with care, compassion, and the right support.
What is substance use disorder?
Substance use disorder (SUD) involves the recurrent use of alcohol or drugs that causes clinically significant impairment in daily life. It’s a chronic brain disease that changes how your body and mind respond to substances.
How does it affect the body and mind?
- Impacts the brain’s reward system, decision-making, and emotional regulation
- Can cause serious harm to the liver, heart, lungs, and mental health
- Often co-occurs with anxiety, depression, or trauma-related disorders
Healing is possible. At Avance Psychiatry, we see and support the whole person—not just the diagnosis. With compassionate care and evidence-based treatment, you can take back control and move forward with hope.
Treatment Options are available
Treating substance use means more than stopping the substance—it means addressing the emotional, psychological, and physical factors that contribute to addiction.
At Avance Psychiatry, led by the expertise of Dr. Ashwin Patkar and Dr. Cameron Coleman, we use a holistic, integrated model that supports you at every stage of recovery.
Meet the Experts
Avance Psychiatry at Centers of Excellence
Ashwin A. Patkar, MD, MRCPsych, DFASAM, DFAPA
Dr. Patkar has over 30 years of clinical and scientific experience in psychopharmacology, addiction, dual diagnoses, and integration of medical care for psychiatric disorders. He is an internationally recognized expert in psychiatry with over 275 scientific publications and 400 presentations. Dr. Patkar is certified in psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, addiction medicine, and pain medicine.
