Washington Interventional Psychiatry (WIP) provides outpatient addiction treatment in Washington, DC for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Addiction is a complex psychiatric condition that often involves both biological and psychological factors, and effective treatment typically requires careful medical and psychiatric evaluation.
Our clinicians treat a range of conditions including alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, stimulant use, and other substance-related disorders. Treatment may include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), psychiatric care, and coordination with psychotherapy or recovery programs when appropriate.
Our practice serves patients across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia (the DMV region) who are seeking thoughtful, physician-led care for addiction and substance use disorders. Because many individuals with addiction also experience depression, anxiety, trauma, or other psychiatric conditions, treatment is often integrated with broader mental health care.
Substance use disorders develop when repeated use of alcohol or drugs leads to changes in brain circuits related to reward, stress, and decision-making. Over time, these changes can make it increasingly difficult for individuals to control use despite negative consequences.
Symptoms of substance use disorder may include:
Loss of control over substance use
Cravings or strong urges to use substances
Continued use despite health, work, or relationship problems
Withdrawal symptoms when reducing or stopping use
Increasing tolerance to the substance
Addiction is a treatable medical condition, and many individuals benefit from structured psychiatric care and evidence-based treatments.
Washington Interventional Psychiatry provides treatment for a range of substance-related conditions, including:
Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol misuse is one of the most common forms of addiction and can contribute to mood disorders, sleep disruption, and medical complications.
Opioid Use Disorder
This includes misuse of prescription opioids or illicit opioids such as heroin or fentanyl.
Stimulant Use Disorders
Substances such as cocaine and methamphetamine can lead to severe mood instability, anxiety, and cardiovascular complications.
Benzodiazepine Dependence
Long-term use of medications such as alprazolam or clonazepam can lead to physiological dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
Cannabis Use Disorder
While often perceived as low risk, heavy cannabis use can contribute to anxiety, mood symptoms, and cognitive difficulties.
Treatment begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. During this process, clinicians review:
Substance use history
Mental health history
Prior treatments or recovery attempts
Current medications
Medical conditions that may affect treatment
Because many patients seeking addiction treatment also experience co-occurring psychiatric conditions, treatment planning often includes both substance-focused care and broader mental health treatment.
For some substance use disorders, medications can play an important role in treatment.
Medication-assisted treatment may help:
Reduce cravings
Decrease withdrawal symptoms
Lower the risk of relapse
Support long-term recovery
Medication options depend on the specific substance involved and the patient’s overall medical and psychiatric history.
Washington Interventional Psychiatry provides outpatient addiction care, allowing patients to receive treatment while continuing their work, school, or family responsibilities.
Outpatient treatment may include:
Psychiatric evaluation and follow-up visits
Medication-assisted treatment when appropriate
Coordination with therapists or recovery programs
Monitoring of symptoms and treatment progress
This approach can be appropriate for individuals who do not require inpatient detoxification or residential treatment.
Many individuals with substance use disorders also experience other psychiatric conditions. These may include:
Depression
Anxiety disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Bipolar disorder
Sleep disorders
Treating these underlying conditions can be an important part of supporting recovery and reducing relapse risk.
1
Thorough Initial Assessment: Our interviews for our addiction treatment program typically last 60-75 minutes, allowing us to gain a deep understanding of each patient’s unique situation.
2
Holistic Perspective: We don’t just focus on the addiction. We explore your overall health, support system, psychiatric history, and personal goals to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
3
Supportive, Non-Judgmental Environment: Our job is to help you through your struggles without enabling the addiction. We create a safe space for open, honest discussions about your challenges and aspirations.
4
Integrated Treatment: We assess for co-occurring conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety, which often drive substance use, ensuring all aspects of your mental health are addressed. We are highly skilled in medication assisted treatments (MAT) to aid your recovery.
5
Collaborative Care: We involve your support system in the treatment process and coordinate with other addiction specialists to provide the most effective care possible.
During your first visit, we’ll discuss:
You may benefit from speaking with a psychiatrist about substance use if:
Attempts to cut down or stop have been unsuccessful
Substance use is affecting work, relationships, or health
You experience cravings or withdrawal symptoms
Substance use is worsening anxiety, depression, or sleep problems
Early treatment can significantly improve long-term outcomes.
Take the First Step
If you are seeking addiction or substance use disorder treatment in Washington, DC, you can schedule a consultation with Washington Interventional Psychiatry to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.
Washington Interventional Psychiatry provides addiction treatment in Washington, DC, serving patients throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.
