About The Addiction Wellness Center
About AWC
Addiction Wellness Centers are physician’s offices that provides medication assisted treatment for substance use and medication for mental health disorders through experienced Primary Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. AWC utilizes telehealth and in-person appointments to ensure everyone can access behavioral health care.
Testimonials
“AWC has been a godsend! When my doctor retired and I did not know who to go to, a friend recommended AWC. I am so thankful, because AWC always makes sure I am okay. When my refills are die, they personally call me to make sure my meds are working and to continue helping me with them. Not to mention, if there is a problem I have (like migraines, etc), the doctor will promptly get on for a telehealth visit with me and take care of anything I may be going through. I highly recommend AWC for all of your wellness needs!”
-Kristina, patient since January 2022
“AWC is professional and truly a life saver. I live about an hour away from the closest office so I rely on the telehealth visits to receive my medication. I am on Suboxone so it’s really important that my medications are sent over each month at the same time. AWC has always been on top of my refills but also referred me to a therapist who I have been able to connect with.”
-Julie, patient since January 2022
Substance Use Disorders
A substance use disorder (SUD) is a mental disorder that affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to a person’s inability to control their use of substances such as legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications. Symptoms can range from moderate to severe, with addiction being the most severe form of SUDs.
Individuals who experience a substance use disorder (SUD) during their lives may also experience a co-occurring mental disorder and vice versa. Co-occurring disorders can include anxiety disorders, depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and schizophrenia, among others. For more information, please see the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)’s Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report.
While SUDs and other mental disorders commonly co-occur, that does not mean that one caused the other. Research suggests three possibilities that could explain why SUDs and other mental disorders may occur together:
- Common risk factors can contribute to both SUDs and other mental disorders. Both SUDs and other mental disorders can run in families, suggesting that certain genes may be a risk factor. Environmental factors, such as stress or trauma, can cause genetic changes that are passed down through generations and may contribute to the development of a mental disorder or a substance use disorder.
- Mental disorders can contribute to substance use and SUDs. Studies found that people with a mental disorder, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may use drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication. However, although some drugs may temporarily help with some symptoms of mental disorders, they may make the symptoms worse over time. Additionally, brain changes in people with mental disorders may enhance the rewarding effects of substances, making it more likely they will continue to use the substance.
- Substance use and SUDs can contribute to the development of other mental disorders. Substance use may trigger changes in brain structure and function that make a person more likely to develop a mental disorder.
Mental Health Disorders
Mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, affect the way we think, feel and behave. There are more than 200 types of mental illnesses. Symptoms of mental health disorders usually improve with treatment, which may include medication, psychotherapy, alternative therapies or brain stimulation therapy.
What is mental health and why is it important?
Behavioral health (sometimes called mental health) includes a person’s psychological, emotional and social wellbeing. It shapes the way you think, feel, behave and interact with others. Your mental state also affects how you cope with stress. It’s a vital part of your life, from infancy through adulthood.
What is a mental health disorder?
Mental (behavioral) health disorders, or mental illnesses, affect the way you think and behave. They change your mood and can make it difficult to function at home, work, school or in your community.
It’s important to note that having poor mental health doesn’t always mean you have a behavioral health disorder. You can also have a behavioral health disorder and still go through long periods of good mental health.
Are there different types of mental health disorders?
There are more than 200 types of mental health disorders. A few of the most common types of mental health disorders include:
- Anxiety disorders.
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Autism spectrum disorder.
- Depression, bipolar disorder and other mood disorders.
- Disruptive behavior disorders, such as oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder.
- Eating disorders.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Personality disorders, including borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.
- Substance use disorders, including drug addiction and alcohol use disorder
Who gets mental health disorders?
Anyone of any age, sex, background or ethnicity can get a behavioral health disorder. People designated female at birth (DFAB) more commonly experience depression, anxiety and eating disorders. While people designated male at birth (DMAB) are more likely to experience substance abuse and antisocial personality disorders. Behavioral problems and ADHD are more common in adolescents.
How common are behavioral health disorders?
Behavioral health disorders are common in the United States. About 1 in 5 adults and adolescents live with a mental health disorder. About half of all mental illnesses begin by age 14 and three-quarters begin by age 24.
Suicide, which is often associated with mental illness, is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. It’s the second leading cause of death among people ages 15 to 34.