Addiction specialists have advanced training to evaluate, diagnose and treat substance use disorders (SUDs). The professionals have special skills to conceptualize and understand addiction’s genetic, psychosocial, and spiritual manifestations that help the providers develop suitable treatment. Since most patients are harmed by practices that stigmatize patients with substance use disorders, addiction medicine physicians can advocate for these individuals to promote societal wellness. Your addiction medicine specialist Charlotte handles you in a non-stigmatizing manner to facilitate effective recovery. Addiction medicine specialists are trained in medication treatment for substance use disorders like opioid, tobacco use, and alcohol.
How do addiction medicine specialists diagnose substance use disorder?
When diagnosing substance use disorder, your specialist evaluates your cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms. Your specialist may ask you about your life, addictive behavior, and patterns of misuse. Sometimes, your doctor may order urine drug tests and data from prescription drug monitoring programs. Diagnostic information helps your specialist determine whether you are experiencing symptoms consistent with an addiction disorder and the severity of medicine for your condition.
How do addiction medicine specialists treat substance use disorder?
Treatments for substance use disorder are based on each person’s unique needs and concerns. Since substance use disorder is a chronic issue with the potential for recovery and relapse, treatment usually requires continuous care to be effective. There are various treatments for SUD, including:
Detoxification
Detoxification is the first major step when treating SUD. During this treatment, you stop taking the substance causing addiction, allowing it to leave your body. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may taper off the substance to reduce withdrawal effects. You may go through detoxification in an outpatient or inpatient setting or both.
Cognitive and behavioral therapies
Psychotherapy can help manage your SUD through your addiction medicine specialist teaching you coping mechanisms. Your provider may recommend you have cognitive and behavioral therapies alone or in combination with medications. Common effective SUDs therapies in adults include.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
During CBT, your specialist helps you identify your thoughts and emotions and how they affect your actions. The specialist teaches you to unlearn negative thoughts and behaviors and adopt healthier thinking habits. In CBT, your provider motivates you to change and educates you about treatment and preventing relapse.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Your addiction medicine specialist may recommend dialectical behavior therapy if you have challenges managing and regulating your emotions. Research shows the treatment is effective for most mental health disorders, including SUD.
Assertive community treatment (ACT)
ACT is a highly individualized treatment where you get mental health services in a community rather than a medical facility. The therapy emphasizes your strengths, needs, and goals for the future.
Medications
Medications can help modify brain chemistry and alleviate cravings and withdrawal symptoms. FDA approves drugs like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone to treat opioid use disorder. For alcohol disorders, FDA has approved naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram medications. Bupropion or varenicline medicines and a nicotine patch, spray, gum, or lozenge can help with tobacco addiction.
Addiction medicine specialists prevent, diagnose, and treat substance use disorders. The professionals are trained to handle SUD patients in a non-stigmatizing manner. Addiction specialists help you identify your negative behaviors and emotions resulting from your addiction disorder and teach you how to change them. Schedule an appointment at Charlotte Ketamine Center to manage your substance use disorder with trained and experienced addiction medicine specialists.
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