How does a psychiatrist help treat drug addiction?
A psychiatrist can explore the details of a person’s drug addiction to understand the reasons for its development. A psychiatrist can then prescribe medications that can help the person to manage the withdrawal symptoms as well as treat any other co-existing or underlying psychiatric disorders.
How does a psychiatrist diagnose drug addiction?
A psychiatrist undertakes a thorough evaluation and assessments not only for drug addiction but also for other possible psychiatric conditions that may be underlying or contributing to the drug addiction. A psychiatrist will ask questions to understand what substances are used, how often, and what amount, and check whether the person meets the criteria for an addiction based on DSM-5 criteria which assesses the person for withdrawals and cravings, inability to meet other responsibilities, needing increasingly higher amounts of the substance, continuation of substance use despite negative consequences, and other such criteria.
Where can I find a psychiatrist for drug addiction?
Addiction psychiatrists may have their own private practice, work in a hospital setting, or be part of treatment teams. They can also consult as part of addiction treatment centers.
Should the drug addict consult a psychiatrist on an outpatient basis or go to rehab?
Regardless of whether the person with drug addiction consults a psychiatrist on an outpatient basis or goes to a rehab, regular consultations and adherence to medications is a requirement on the road to recovery. For someone with severe addiction and risk of harm to self or others, rehabilitation programs can be a good option. Rehabs also provide a structured environment solely focused on recovery and equipped with all-time monitoring and regular appointments with professionals. However, some people have other responsibilities such as work or parental responsibilities, for whom regular outpatient consultations would be preferable. Home services is also a treatment option that a person with drug addiction or their family can explore.
