An addiction psychiatrist helps those suffering from addiction or substance abuse disorder escape the vicious cycle that wreaks havoc on their lives. These professionals specialize in diagnosing, evaluating, and treating those with addiction and helping them with other underlying mental health disorders. Addiction is a powerful disease, but with the help of an addiction psychiatrist, you can break free from this vicious cycle and get back to your life.
If someone has an addiction, they compulsively consume a substance or engage in a behavior despite harmful consequences. Many times, the addicted individual has the desire to quit but feels they cannot. As a result, these individuals continue to participate in activities such as gambling, illegal drug use, excessive alcohol, and prescription drug use despite repeated harmful physical, financial, and social impacts. Addiction is complex and different for each individual. However, it usually has a physical and psychological hold on the sufferer.
Addiction psychiatrists are experts in substance use disorder, with a deep understanding of the many facets of addiction. They can also diagnose any underlying mental disorders contributing to it or making addiction challenging. In addition, they work to help patients overcome addiction in rehabilitation centers or on an outpatient basis.
Treatment typically starts with detoxification and breaking the physical dependency on the substance. Then, a psychiatrist can prescribe medications that can lessen withdrawal symptoms and control cravings for the substance. Many times, such as in the case of severe alcohol addiction, the withdrawal process will need to be closely monitored by a medical professional to ensure the patient’s safety. Breaking the physical dependency is often the first and very difficult hurdle that needs addressing before the underlying issues can be examined.
After dealing with the physical side of addiction, the patient will need help with the psychological component. This typically involves psychotherapy treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoanalysis, and group therapy. Usually, the patient will continue to take medication to control cravings as they examine the underlying mental and emotional issues that contributed to their addiction in the first place.
Often, those with addiction issues also suffer from co-occurring mental health issues. Next, the psychiatrist will look at any underlying psychiatric issues, such as depression and anxiety, that may have contributed to the addiction. The addiction psychiatrist can also prescribe medications and therapies to deal with these.
An addiction psychiatrist can give the patient the tools to get past the withdrawal symptoms and cravings safely. This puts the patient in a much stronger position to face the mental and emotional side of addiction. Through doing this, an addiction psychiatrist can help those with substance disorders reconnect with who they were before they became addicted. Patients can return to participating in activities they once loved and enjoy improved health and job performance. Perhaps the greatest benefit is the chance to reconnect with friends and family their addiction had separated them from.
When battling addiction alone, everything can seem overwhelming. But the good news is that you have a better life after addiction. So call our team today and learn how an addiction psychiatrist can help you overcome the physical and emotional side of addiction and lead a more fulfilling life.
Request an appointment here:https://futurepsychsolutions.com or call Future Psych Solutions at (803) 335-5232 for an appointment in our Columbia office.
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