Overcoming an addiction is one of the most important things a person can do, and it is also the hardest. An addiction psychiatrist can help those struggling with substance or process addiction finally break free. Despite the havoc addiction can wreck in a person's life, those suffering find it hard and sometimes almost impossible to break the cycle of addiction. Here is a look at why it is so hard and how an addiction psychiatrist can help.
Addiction is not a matter of willpower but a chronic brain disorder in which a person can not stop engaging in an activity or taking a certain substance despite negative consequences. Addiction is most widely associated with alcohol and drugs (substance use disorder or SUD); however, behaviors like gambling and playing video games can be addictive as well. Those who have an addiction can end up damaging their health, finances, careers, and relationships. Often, they want to quit, but for many reasons, they find it feels next to impossible.
Breaking free of addiction is not a matter of lack of motivation or willpower. The behavior or substance releases feel-good chemicals in the brain that keep the person returning. Eventually, they work up a tolerance (especially with substances) and need more and more of their drug of choice to get the feel-good effects. Eventually, they need their drug of choice to feel normal. Then, quitting can trigger powerful cravings and even painful physical withdrawal symptoms that keep them tracked in the cycle of addiction.
An addiction psychiatrist is a powerful resource in the battle against addiction. These are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosing and treatment of addiction-related disorders such as substance use disorder. An addiction psychiatrist can apply their advanced knowledge to help the sufferer break free of this vicious cycle.
The psychiatrist will perform a thought assessment of the patient that includes examining their physical and mental health. They will consider any co-occurring physical or mental health conditions and the patient's health history. This information will enable them to get an accurate diagnosis to match the patient with the right treatment plan.
Addiction treatment needs to address both the mental and physical aspects of addiction. Successful treatment is often the result of medical intervention, counseling, and addiction education.
Medical treatment and medication
Medication can help patients through any physical withdrawal symptoms and curve cravings. Alternative treatments such as transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS may also be an option. With severe withdrawal symptoms, the patient will need a healthcare professional's oversight to get off the substance safely.
Psychotherapy
The psychiatrist will often refer the patient to a counselor or psychologist for some form of talk therapy. Behavioral therapies can be very helpful in addressing the psychological aspects of addiction. These therapies identify maladaptive behaviors and thoughts, help the patient recognize them, and substitute positive ones.
In addition to medication and therapy, the addiction psychiatrist can educate the patient on their disorder and connect them with ongoing support groups such as Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous.
Do not let addiction take over your life. {{DBA}} is here to help you break the cycle and cycle so you can regain your personal and professional life as well as your physical health. You can recover, and an addiction psychiatrist can help.
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