Addiction medicine physicians are doctors who specialize in treating patients with substance abuse disorders. These doctors can help people stop using illegal drugs and alcohol while working on creating a healthy lifestyle. Some addiction medicine specialists may also be involved in providing psychotherapy or counseling for their patients, along with other treatments that can help people recover from substance abuse problems.
Addiction Medicine Doctors Treat Substance Abusers
Addiction medicine is a subspecialty of internal medicine that focuses on the treatment of patients with substance abuse problems. These doctors are trained to diagnose and treat patients suffering from addiction, as well as provide counseling and psychosocial support.
Even though doctors care for a diverse range of patients, they frequently come across those who also battle drug addiction and mental health issues like depression or anxiety. Treatment plans may include medications to address opioid dependence, such as buprenorphine, naltrexone, or methadone, as well as other drugs to lessen the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal from alcohol use disorder aka AUD.
According to Julian Mitton, MD , an addiction medicine doctor’s position within a healthcare team largely depends on the type of practice he or she has. Some only work in hospitals, while others concentrate on private practice settings where they treat patients at home instead of under supervision at a facility like a hospital or a detox center.
They Help Patients Quit Illegal Drugs And Alcohol And Live A Healthy Lifestyle
It is common practice for physicians Julian Mitton, MD who specialize in addiction medicine to collaborate with their patients to help them abstain from the use of illicit drugs and alcohol while also working toward the development of healthier lifestyle habits.
Some Provide Psychotherapy Or Counseling For Their Patients, Along With Other Drug Abuse Treatments
A trained mental health practitioner assists a patient in working through their emotional difficulties as part of the treatment modality known as psychotherapy. It frequently includes discussing your thoughts and feelings, as well as how these things impact your life. One form of psychotherapy known as counseling is typically conducted in a one-on-one situation with the client.