Addiction Psychiatry Clinic Q&A

Addiction psychiatry is a branch of psychiatry that focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of those who are suffering from addiction or addiction related disorder(s). Addictions may involve legal and/or illegal drugs, sex, gambling, food, or impulsive behaviors.

Addiction psychiatrists are substance use disorder experts who can help guide patients toward recovery using clinically proven tools, resources, and therapy. They can also help patients who are dealing with mental health issues that coincide with their addiction, creating a clear and comprehensive plan for recovery that is personalized to the patient’s unique needs.

Addiction psychiatrists are involved in the following:

• The comprehensive evaluation of your medical history, including any history of substance-use history and/or mental health diagnoses
• Diagnosing psychiatric diseases (such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, etc.)
• Examining your ability to carry out and complete daily activities
• Overseeing any lab work that you may need to get done
• Providing comprehensive and well-rounded therapy
• Prescribing medication
• Carrying and out the initial detox process and providing personal support -Connecting you with other medical specialists necessary for successful treatment

After admitting that there is a problem to address, visiting an addiction psychiatrist is often the next step in the recovery process.

Addiction is considered to be a medical illness by many major health organizations including the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

It is classified as a mental illness because addiction fundamentally changes the brain, disturbing a person’s ability to meet their desires and needs as they become more focused on procuring and using the substance they’re addicted to. Addiction is also known as “substance use disorder” by those in the medical community.

Several factors may contribute to developing an addiction. This includes environmental factors, such as your family dynamic, personal beliefs and values, peer pressure, exposure to substances being used and abused during early development, and how accessible certain substances are.

Addiction can also be genetic, running in family lines. While your genes don’t always mean you’ll develop a substance use problem, it does put you at a considerably higher risk so being aware of your family’s history is key.

Physical addiction changes the way your brain feels pleasure, altering nerve cells (neurons) and lighting up the reward center of your brain for a high that always leaves you craving more. It can create a physical and psychological dependency that leaves you locked in an addictive state that’s hard to get out of without medical assistance.

A psychiatrist plays a huge role in recovering from addiction. Addiction negatively affects the neurochemistry of the brain which is why it’s important to have someone who can help re-establish healthy neural pathways and who can help provide the tools and support necessary to navigate recovery.

Addiction psychiatrists will look at your personal health history and unique needs before deciding which type of treatment plan to move forward with. They will help you to determine why you turned to certain substances in the first place and will also arm you with the tools and knowledge to help you manage withdrawal symptoms, as well as psychological, physical, environmental, and social temptations. In addition, they’ll also help you to manage any other mental health issues that may exist alongside your addiction.

Psychiatrists are also capable of prescribing medication to help control the symptoms of withdrawal and/or to help treat any co-existing psychiatric disorders. If there are coinciding mental health issues, it’s important to treat both conditions simultaneously as these conditions often hold hands with each other.

At Success Health System LLC, we know that addiction is a complicated process that affects every facet of life. For medical care and experience that you trust, contact us today or book in online for an appointment. Don’t let addiction get in the way of living – it’s never too early, or too late, to get started! We serve patients from Creve Coeur MO, St. Louis MO, Independence MO, Olathe KS, Columbia MO, Craig KS, Spring Hill KS, Prathersville MO, Pierpont MO, Kirkwood MO, Kansas City MO, River Bend Mo & Beyond!