Addiction psychiatry focuses on treating addiction to chemical substances, including alcohol, prescription, and illegal drugs. This is accomplished through psychological therapy and closely monitored medications. Addiction psychiatrists are specialists in the field of addiction. Psychiatrists are physicians specializing and treating psychiatric disorders such as depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and more.
What is The History of Addiction Psychiatry?
Although addiction psychiatry began informally during the 1950s, late-twentieth-century studies indicated the need for prioritized attention in understanding the complex link between mental illness and addiction. Notably, several psychiatrists had experienced substance abuse within their lives, lending a personal interest to the correlation between mental health and the risk of developing an addiction disorder.
Agreement between psychiatrists in the 1980s and 1990s believed alcoholism and substance abuse should be considered psychiatric disorders and treated as primary diseases through appropriate counseling and support programs such as 12-Step meetings. Around this time, both military and VA medical centers also developed dual diagnosis treatment and research programs. Additionally, specialized centers and fellowships emerged in the addiction psychiatry field.
What Does an Addiction Psychiatrist Do?
Addiction psychiatrists play an essential role during the detoxification phase of treatment. During this time, addicted persons have weaned off substances safely under the supervision of both psychiatrists and medical staff. In this way, addiction psychiatrists provide crucial medical support.
Like a doctor monitors for vital signs, an addiction psychiatrist can monitor the effects of the brain’s neurochemistry affected by the substances the addicted person may have used. For this reason, medical expertise offered by an addiction psychiatrist is critical.
Following detoxification, an addiction psychiatrist can prescribe medication to support a client’s continuing treatment. For example, while the client is learning how to navigate life without the substance they’ve been relying on for many years, medication helps support follow-through during intensive rehabilitation.
Are There Any Special Qualifications and Licensing in Addiction Psychiatry?
Psychiatrists treating drug and alcohol addiction must possess subspecialty training in the area of addiction. This training culminates in obtaining certified addiction psychiatry status through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Post-certification, addiction psychiatrists typically treat any one or more of the following conditions:
- Alcoholism
- Substance use disorder
- Gambling addiction
- Sexual addictions
This, of course, is in addition to a medical degree in psychiatry. It is not possible to take the additional specialty certification without a medical degree first.
How Does Addiction Psychiatry Work in Substance Abuse?
Psychiatrists treating drug or alcohol addiction investigate a patient’s history to include when the addiction first began manifesting in a person’s life. Working with the patient, the addiction psychiatrist determines the reason for the drug or alcohol addiction. If they feel it’s necessary, prescribed medication is recommended to help control withdrawal symptoms and treat any underlying or co-existing psychiatric disorders present.
Addiction psychiatrists advocate for the advantages of 12-Step programs, including Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, recognizing that external support is an essential aspect of managing the addiction and moving into wellness.
Recognizing the need for exercise and other health-inducing activities as part of a comprehensive recovery program, addiction psychiatrists move beyond medication and prescription writing by referring clients to other forms of therapy as recovery progresses.
Is Oceanfront Recovery Committed to Addiction Psychiatry?
Addiction psychiatry is an excellent resource for anyone looking for addiction treatment. Care, however, must be taken when deciding on a particular doctor. When looking for an addiction psychiatrist, make sure they are licensed and possess the endorsement or certificate mentioned earlier.
So the short answer is yes.
Oceanfront Recovery holds accreditation from The Joint Commission, an accrediting body responsible for the certification of health care organizations and programs across the United States. The Joint Commission recognizes exceptional quality in facilities, programs, and performance standards in rehabilitation programs.
This accreditation reflects Oceanfront Recovery’s commitment to addiction treatment programs that follow the participant from the start of detox to aftercare support and involvement where necessary, under the guidance of a dedicated addiction psychiatrist.
Quality support at Oceanfront Recovery begins with a medical detox program fully supervised by affiliated medical professionals, including a highly qualified and experienced addiction psychiatrist. In this way, with a certified addiction psychiatrist available, every client is assured the best possible start to their recovery.
Addiction psychiatry made inroads during the 1980s and 1990s at a time of increasing drug use. It was believed that substance misuse causes were rooted in mental health issues to include depression and PTSD. Today, addiction psychiatrists are affiliated with quality detoxification programs across the United States. They provide critical support during detoxification’s mental and physical demands. Change your story. Change your life. Your safety and privacy are always protected. At Oceanfront Recovery, we are proud to offer various specialized services to facilitate individualized recovery and clinical detoxification for busy professionals and adults. We focus on treating those struggling with drug addiction, alcohol addiction, and the co-occurring physical or mental conditions that often accompany addiction. Supporting your commitment to get clean, stay clean and discover healthy lifestyle alternatives, our modern, attractive facilities nestled in the laid-back community of Laguna Beach offer ample opportunity for you to restore your professional and family life. Caring case managers, counselors, and wellness staff are there to support your commitment to recovery in an accessible, practical, and affordable environment. Calling Oceanfront Recovery today may be just what you need to change your story, and possibly, your life. We can’t wait to meet you. Call Oceanfront Recovery today at (877) 279-1777.
