Substance Use Disorders

An estimated 84.5 million Americans over the age of 18 have a substance use disorder diagnosis. If you need help overcoming strong cravings for drugs or alcohol, PATH Therapy Services can help. Corinne Milentijevic, MSSA, LISW-S, and the team specialize in evidence-based, trauma-informed therapies to support your recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. They also provide holistic strategies you can use to maintain sobriety for a lifetime. While PATH Therapy Services does not prescribe medications, the team can refer you to trusted medical providers for medication management when appropriate. Call the Youngstown, Ohio, office today to schedule a substance use disorder consultation or book an appointment online.

What are substance use disorders?

Substance use disorder is a mental health condition that develops after misusing or abusing substances like alcohol, opioids, methamphetamines, or cannabis. The repeated use of these substances can alter the brain’s chemical balance and disrupt normal communication between nerve cells, leading to strong cravings and a loss of control over use. Over time, these changes can affect mood, judgment, and behavior, making it difficult to stop even when substance use begins to harm relationships, work, or health.

You might also experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking or taking drugs, which can include nausea, shaking, sweating, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping. The discomfort of withdrawal often leads people to use substances again to relieve symptoms, reinforcing the cycle of addiction.

PATH Therapy Services offers comprehensive evaluations and customized treatment plans for adults and adolescents with substance use disorders. As part of the continuum of care, the team provides a supportive bridge between early intervention and long-term recovery. They collaborate closely with medical providers, community programs, and other specialists to ensure clients receive coordinated, ongoing support at every stage of healing.

PATH Therapy Services takes a holistic, integrative approach to recovery, helping you navigate cravings, underlying trauma, and co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD that may contribute to addiction.

When should I seek treatment for substance use disorder?

Schedule an evaluation at PATH Therapy Services if you’re ready to stop drinking or using drugs but struggle with cravings or withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, sweating, nausea, or insomnia.

You should also seek support if substance use has led to ongoing issues, including:

• Anxiety or depression
• Anger or irritability
• Legal or financial problems
• Relationship conflicts
  

The team provides thorough mental health assessments to identify emotional triggers and behavioral patterns that influence substance use.

How is substance use disorder treated?

Psychotherapy is an essential part of recovery. PATH Therapy Services offers individual, family, and couples counseling using evidence-based modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care.

Therapy provides tools to manage stress, emotions, and life challenges without turning to substances. You’ll have a safe, supportive environment to process emotions and build sustainable coping skills.

While PATH Therapy Services does not prescribe medications, the team can coordinate care and refer clients to qualified medical providers who offer medication-assisted treatment or other pharmacological support when appropriate.

Call PATH Therapy Services today to schedule your consultation or book an appointment online to begin your path toward recovery.