Addiction Medicine Specialist

What is addiction medicine?

Addiction medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the treatment of people who are abusing prescription, non-prescription or illicit drugs or substances, including alcohol. Doctors who practice addiction medicine are skilled in the diagnosis of addiction, as well as the treatment of both the physical and psychological effects of addiction and addictive behaviors. Addictions cause an irrepressible or compulsive need or urge which is so strong, it can interfere with normal daily functioning, including the ability to work, go to school or maintain positive interpersonal relationships. Addictions can affect people of all ages, and from all walks of life.

How can I tell if I or a loved one has an addiction?

The most “telling” symptom of addiction is the person's inability to control or limit the addictive behavior. Other symptoms can vary to some degree based on the substance that's being abused. Some potential signs and symptoms include:

• a need to increase the amount of a substance in order to maintain the desirable effects

• repeated failures at attempts to stop taking the substance

• problems with family or at work or school that arise as a result of the addictive behavior

• feelings of irritability, anger, sadness or nausea when attempting to stop taking the substance

• mood swings or erratic behavior

• feelings of guilt, failure or shame

• feelings of hopelessness or depression

How are addictions treated?

Treatment of addiction can vary based on the type of substance that's being abused, the person's lifestyle and underlying health, and other factors. Successful treatment of addiction may involve the use of medications to help you “step down” in your dose or to control the side effects of withdrawal, as well as counseling to understand the initial cause of the addiction and treat it.