Stress, trauma, or untreated mental health conditions can turn occasional use into dependence. At Cura Mind and Wellness, we provide confidential, nonjudgmental treatment for substance use disorders across the Houston metro, with in person care in Richmond, TX and telepsychiatry throughout Houston and Fort Bend County.
Care is directed by Vivian Emuobe, MSN, BSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner experienced in both hospital and outpatient settings. She specializes in dual diagnosis treatment, blending psychiatric and addiction care for more complete recovery.
Signs you may need support
- Using more than intended or needing more to feel the same effect,
- Cravings that interfere with focus,
- Failed attempts to cut back,
- Conflict with family or coworkers about use,
- Withdrawal symptoms such as shakiness, sweats, or poor sleep,
- Risky behaviors such as driving after drinking or mixing substances.
If these patterns sound familiar, help is available.
Substances we treat
We provide outpatient treatment for alcohol, opioids, stimulants, cannabis, benzodiazepines, and nicotine. Severe withdrawal from alcohol or benzodiazepines sometimes requires inpatient detox, and we coordinate that transition when safety demands it.
How we begin
Intake and evaluation – Review of history, use patterns, co occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression, and withdrawal risk. Collaborative goals – Some patients begin with reduction, others with abstinence. We align plans with readiness while setting safety boundaries. Personalized roadmap – Medication when appropriate, skills based therapy, family involvement, and regular follow ups for accountability.
Therapy that creates change
- Motivational Interviewing, MI, builds commitment to change,
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT, breaks the trigger-urge-use cycle,
- Relapse prevention, early warning sign lists and coping strategies,
- Trauma informed care, for patients using substances to numb painful experiences,
- Family education, when supportive communication improves outcomes.
Telehealth keeps therapy consistent across Houston, with in person options in Richmond when closer support is needed.
Medication support
Medication reduces cravings and withdrawal, making recovery more attainable.
- Alcohol use disorder, options include naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram,
- Opioid use disorder, buprenorphine based treatment or naltrexone with safety planning,
- Nicotine dependence, varenicline, bupropion, or nicotine replacement,
- Benzodiazepines, tapering protocols to reduce risk,
- Stimulant use, no FDA-approved medication, so therapy and contingency planning are emphasized.
When prior medication caused side effects or lacked benefit, pharmacogenomic gene testing at the Richmond office helps guide safer choices.
Houston specific recovery strategies
Patients describe challenges such as long commutes, demanding jobs in energy and health care, and Houston heat that strains routines. We adapt care to real life:
- Telehealth check ins that fit early mornings or lunch breaks,
- Commute scripts like breathing, music, or short calls to support people,
- Weekend reset routines that replace unstructured time with activity and planning,
- Weather preparation to protect prescriptions and routines during hurricane season.
Measuring progress
We track outcomes beyond abstinence:
- Fewer heavy use days,
- Shorter cravings and fewer relapses,
- Better sleep and energy,
- Stronger family connections,
- More consistent work attendance,
- Confidence that routines survive busy weeks and celebrations.
A twelve week outline
- Weeks 1-2: Comprehensive intake, medication start if appropriate, initial therapy skills.
- Weeks 3-6: Focus on high-risk times, habit replacement, contingency planning.
- Weeks 7-10: Address co-occurring conditions, refine coping skills, adjust medication.
- Weeks 11-12: Relapse prevention, written plan for holidays, stressful seasons, and travel.
Every plan is flexible and adjusts as patients progress.
Privacy and coordination
Care is private and HIPAA compliant. With consent, we coordinate with primary care, therapists, or support programs to strengthen results. If inpatient or residential treatment becomes necessary, we provide warm referrals and continue follow up once stability returns.
FAQs – Substance Use Disorders in Houston and Richmond
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Not always. We begin with your goals, whether reduction or abstinence, and adapt while keeping safety first.
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Yes, when clinically appropriate. Options include naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram, and buprenorphine.
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Cravings for alcohol or nicotine may reduce in weeks. Opioid stabilization can be faster.
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Relapse is not failure. We review triggers, adjust the plan, and reinforce skills to restore momentum quickly.
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Yes, with your consent. Education and support improve outcomes.
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Yes. Therapy, follow ups, and medication management can be done virtually. In person visits are available in Richmond when needed.
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Yes. Addressing depression, anxiety, PTSD, or ADHD alongside substance use improves results.
Why patients choose Cura Mind and Wellness
- Board certified psychiatric expertise, with dual diagnosis focus,
- Integrated care, medication management and therapy combined,
- Respectful and private environment, no judgment, only support,
- Accessible services, telehealth across Houston, in person in Richmond,
- Real world strategies, plans that adapt to Houston schedules, work stress, and family life.
Begin recovery with support that fits your life
Change is possible, and it begins with a safe, supportive plan. At Cura Mind and Wellness, we help patients across Houston reduce cravings, build healthier routines, and reclaim confidence. With in person care in Richmond and secure telepsychiatry across Houston, compassionate support is within reach.