--- title: "Substance Use Disorder Treatment Austin TX | CARMAhealth" description: "Board-certified addiction psychiatrists treat substance use disorder with MAT, detox, and dual-diagnosis care in Austin, TX. Book a confidential visit." canonical: https://carmahealth.com/conditions/substance-use-disorder source: https://carmahealth.com/conditions/substance-use-disorder mirror_of: carmahealth.com content_hash: sha256:587d9a5cf5a6a6db79e0d4e2378df77bc1c9447c48d7d7d6bd07f8c2b7f8bf67 generated_at: 2026-07-08T23:20:17.555Z robots: noindex, follow --- Substance Use Disorder Treatment # Recovery Is Medical Care, Not Willpower Substance use disorder is a treatable medical condition, not a personal failing. CARMAhealth's board-certified addiction psychiatrists provide confidential, outpatient care, from medication-assisted treatment to support for any depression or anxiety that comes with it. [Schedule Your Evaluation](/new-patients) [Check Insurance Coverage](/insurance) (image: Woman working on a jigsaw puzzle at a sunlit table in a calm, bright living space) Understanding Substance Use Disorder ## A Medical Condition, Not a Moral Failing Substance use disorder changes how the brain handles reward, judgment, and self-control. It is not a question of character or willpower, and it is far more common than most people realize. It also exists on a spectrum, from mild to severe, which means getting help is worthwhile long before things feel like rock bottom. Whether your concern is alcohol, opioids, or another substance, and whether this is your first time reaching out or your fifth, recovery is possible. At CARMAhealth, treatment begins with understanding, not judgment. The Facts ## Common, Treatable, and Often Tied to Mental Health According to the [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration](https://www.samhsa.gov/data/data-we-collect/nsduh-national-survey-drug-use-and-health), an estimated 48.4 million Americans aged 12 and older lived with a substance use disorder in 2024, roughly one in six people. Despite how widespread it is, only a fraction receive specialized treatment, often because of stigma, cost, or simply not knowing where to start. Substance use rarely happens on its own. The [National Institute on Drug Abuse](https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/co-occurring-disorders-health-conditions) reports that mental health conditions and substance use disorders frequently occur together; among adults with a mental illness, more than one in three also has a substance use disorder. Treating only one side of that picture tends to leave the other to pull a person back, which is why CARMAhealth's psychiatrists address co-occurring [depression](/conditions/depression), [anxiety](/conditions/anxiety), and trauma alongside the substance use itself. Clinicians diagnose substance use disorder using eleven criteria from the [DSM-5](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565474/table/table-3/), with severity ranging from mild to severe based on how many apply. The most effective care is medical and individualized. Every plan at CARMAhealth starts with a thorough [psychiatric evaluation](/services/psychiatric-evaluation) and may include [medication-assisted treatment](/services/medication-assisted-treatment) for opioid, alcohol, or nicotine use, [outpatient detox](/services/executive-detox) for safe withdrawal, and ongoing [medication management](/services/medication-management) for any co-occurring conditions. Care is delivered on an outpatient basis across Texas and Florida, so you can pursue recovery without stepping away from your life. Treatment Options ## How We Treat Substance Use Disorder [ ### Medication-Assisted Treatment FDA-approved medications for opioid, alcohol, and nicotine use disorders, including Suboxone, Vivitrol, and Sublocade. No-cost options available through our Be Well, TX partnership. Learn more ](/services/medication-assisted-treatment)[ ### Executive Detox Private, outpatient withdrawal management led by board-certified addiction psychiatrists. Get safely through detox while keeping up with work and family. Learn more ](/services/executive-detox)[ ### Psychiatric Evaluation Every plan starts here. A thorough assessment of your substance use, mental health, and goals so your psychiatrist can build the right approach for you. Learn more ](/services/psychiatric-evaluation) Insurance & Coverage ## Most Major Plans Accepted We accept 15+ insurance plans and offer self-pay options for services not covered by insurance. +6 more [Verify Your Coverage](/insurance) [Call (512) 212-4670](tel:5122124670) Aetna · BCBS · Cigna · United Healthcare · Humana · and 6 more Common Questions ## Frequently Asked Questions About Substance Use Disorder Substance use disorder is diagnosed using eleven criteria in the DSM-5, such as using more than you intended, unsuccessful attempts to cut back, strong cravings, and continued use despite the problems it causes. Meeting two or three criteria points to a mild disorder, while six or more indicates a severe one. You do not need to reach a crisis point to benefit from care. If substance use is affecting your health, work, or relationships, a [psychiatric evaluation](/services/psychiatric-evaluation) can help you understand where you stand. Not necessarily. Many people recover successfully through outpatient care, which lets you keep working and living at home while receiving medical treatment. CARMAhealth specializes in outpatient substance use care, including [medication-assisted treatment](/services/medication-assisted-treatment) and private [executive detox](/services/executive-detox). If your situation calls for a higher level of care, your psychiatrist will help you find it. No. Medication-assisted treatment uses FDA-approved medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone to reduce cravings and ease withdrawal so you can focus on recovery. These medications stabilize brain chemistry without producing a high. Learn more on our [medication-assisted treatment](/services/medication-assisted-treatment) page. Yes, and we recommend it. Substance use disorders and mental health conditions often occur together, and treating them separately tends to be less effective. As a psychiatry-led practice, CARMAhealth addresses co-occurring [depression](/conditions/depression), [anxiety](/conditions/anxiety), and trauma alongside your substance use, all under one care team. Most insurance plans cover substance use treatment as part of behavioral health benefits. CARMAhealth accepts 15+ insurance plans including Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, and United Healthcare, and partners with Be Well, TX to offer no-cost medication-assisted treatment for patients with financial barriers. Visit our [insurance page](/insurance) or call [(512) 212-4670](tel:+15122124670) to verify your coverage. Our Practitioners ## Care Led by Addiction Psychiatrists Substance use treatment at CARMAhealth is directed by board-certified addiction psychiatrists, including founder Dr. Carlos Tirado, who is double board-certified in addiction psychiatry and addiction medicine. From your first evaluation through long-term recovery, your care is guided by physicians who treat the whole person, not just the substance. [Meet Our Practitioners](/providers) [Schedule an Appointment](/new-patients) (image: Carlos Tirado, MD, MPH) Carlos Tirado MD, MPH (image: Isela Werchan, MD) Isela Werchan MD (image: Jennifer Schaefer, MD) Jennifer Schaefer MD (image: Casey Coton, DO) Casey Coton DO (image: Steven Powell, MD) (image: David Walsh) (image: Lorie Kmetz) (image: Sally Reese) (image: Alex Dodson) (image: Audrey Amburgey, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC) (image: Samantha Hurlbut) (image: Dr. Robert Ulrich) (image: Dr. Jeff McCreight) (image: Kim Sterling) +12 and the rest of our care team Take the First Step ## Start Feeling Like Yourself Again Whether you're exploring treatment for the first time or looking for a new practitioner, our psychiatrists are here to listen. [Book an Appointment](/new-patients) [Call (512) 212-4670](tel:5122124670) Accepting new patients · 15+ insurance plans accepted · Telehealth available