Substance Use and Addiction Treatment Online
Substance use disorders involve a complex brain disease characterized by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences.
Hometown NP provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management via telehealth.
By the Numbers
Over 20 million Americans aged 12 and older had a substance use disorder in the past year. Alcohol and opioids account for the majority of addiction-related deaths and disability.
Substance use disorders affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Genetic factors account for approximately 40–60% of addiction vulnerability.
When to seek help
Seek help if substance use is affecting your work, relationships, finances, or health — or if you have tried and failed to cut back on your own.
Understanding Substance Use and Addiction
Addiction is a chronic medical condition — not a moral failing or lack of willpower. Substance use disorders involve changes in brain structure and function that drive compulsive drug-seeking despite harmful consequences. Like other chronic diseases, addiction requires ongoing management rather than a single cure.
The most common substance use disorders include alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, stimulant use disorder, cannabis use disorder, and sedative/benzodiazepine use disorder. Co-occurring mental health conditions — particularly depression, anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD — are present in a majority of people with substance use disorders. Treating both simultaneously (integrated care) produces significantly better outcomes than treating either alone.
Telehealth has transformed access to addiction treatment. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder — including buprenorphine (Suboxone) — can be initiated and managed via telehealth under current DEA regulations. Our PMHNPs provide integrated psychiatric and substance use care, treating the whole person rather than just the substance use.
Common Symptoms of Substance Use and Addiction
Seek help if substance use is affecting your work, relationships, finances, or health — or if you have tried and failed to cut back on your own.
How Addiction Is Diagnosed at Hometown NP
Substance use disorder assessment involves a comprehensive substance use history (types, frequency, quantity, consequences), evaluation of withdrawal risk, screening for co-occurring mental health disorders, and assessment of social support and recovery resources. Your Hometown NP PMHNP uses the AUDIT (alcohol), DAST-10 (drugs), and DSM-5 criteria to diagnose severity. For opioid use disorder, PDMP (Prescription Drug Monitoring Program) review is conducted as required by state regulations.
Treatment Options for Substance Use and Addiction
General evidence-based options for Substance Use and Addiction may include the approaches below. Hometown NP PMHNPs provide psychiatric evaluation and medication management; psychotherapy, when appropriate, is provided by a separately licensed therapist. Treatment plans are individualized based on your specific symptoms, history, and goals.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT: buprenorphine, naltrexone)
CBT for addiction
Motivational Enhancement Therapy
Dual diagnosis treatment (co-occurring mental health)
Frequently Co-Occurring Conditions
Addiction often occurs alongside other mental health conditions. Our PMHNPs provide integrated care for co-occurring diagnoses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Substance Use and Addiction
Addiction Treatment by State
Hometown NP provides Substance Use and Addiction treatment via telehealth in 40+ states. Select your state for state-specific information:
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Explore your psychiatric care options
Looking for a psychiatrist? Hometown NP provides care with psychiatric nurse practitioners. Learn about the differences and what to expect before booking.
Ready to Start Your Mental Health Journey?
View current telehealth appointment availability in 40+ states. Choose your payment preference to get started.