Individuals struggling with substance use disorder consume intense amounts of various substances. These can be tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs. They take these substances so much that it starts affecting their daily life. The disorder may lead to impaired movement or function.
Drug abuse or substance use disorder is a severe condition. It requires comprehensive psychiatric treatment from addiction psychiatrists. An addiction psychiatrist is a professional who can analyze and address drug abuse symptoms.
They also help in the detoxification of the patient’s body. Detoxification is the initial phase of the addiction treatment. Throughout the process, the patients are weaned off of harmful substances safely. Let us learn in detail about how a psychiatrist can help with drug addiction. But first, we will understand why individuals become addicts.
Why Do People Get Addicted To Substances?
We often misunderstand drug abuse or addiction. Why do people become addicted to them? This is one question that we may have wondered.
Drug addiction is quite complex, and many of us don’t know why it occurs. There are many stigmas attached to drug addiction. For example, a person who is an addict may lack good moral values. There are also beliefs that drugs are not so difficult to quit, but the addicts don’t have the willpower or motivation. This is entirely false and adds to the stigma of drug abuse.
Moreover, several studies confirm that drug abuse can result from environmental settings. If a person is born and grew up in an environment where drugs are available, the chances of becoming an addict are higher. Being more sensitive or impulsive to stress is another reason for addiction.
Symptoms Of Drug Addiction
Drug addiction symptoms may differ from person to person and the type of drug they are using. The most common symptoms are:
- Depressed mood
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss or gain
- Lack of hygiene
- Drastic mood swings
- Irregular heartbeat
What Does It Take To Leave Drugs Or Alcohol Completely?
Generally speaking, it takes much more than strong willpower to stop drugs completely. Many individuals who are addicts want to quit drugs. But, it may be difficult due to the neurological changes drugs trigger in the brain.
Also, drugs make a person feel good and help their body work normally. The users’ first priority is drugs above anything else because drugs are their only source of pleasure and pain relief.
Are you having an addiction and want to quit drugs altogether? You need to do a thorough preparation for that. It may be tough to lessen or stop drugs initially as you are entirely dependent on these substances. But it would be better to be prepared for what will happen next.
First, it is important to accept that you have an addiction that makes life difficult. If you are uncertain about your problem, ask yourself these questions:
- Do you lie to your parents or friends about your usage?
- Do you feel that you have no control over your drug consumption?
- Are you taking drugs early in the morning?
- Are you having trouble in your relationships because of your addiction?
- Have you sold or stolen anything from the house to buy drugs?
If you answered all or most of these questions with a “yes,” it means you accept your problem and need aid. An addiction psychiatrist may be the right person to help you in the situation.
Also Read: Should You See A Psychiatrist For Depression?
What Does An Addiction Psychiatrist Do?
An addiction psychiatrist is an expert who specializes in understanding the connection between mental health issues and drug addiction. They also understand how a patient’s mental wellness can impact their drug abuse. For instance, if a person is undergoing depression, then he or she might take drugs to self-medicate their symptoms.
There are many responsibilities of an addiction psychiatrist. However, evaluating and treating any mental health disorder linked with drug abuse are the main ones. These experts offer full-fledged diagnostic assessments, prescribe medications, and create treatment plans. They even team up with other medical experts, like therapists, to deliver a more holistic approach to therapy.
Besides, addiction psychiatrists may even suggest detoxification to help the addicts wean off drugs. There are also situations when the expert might recommend admission to an addiction treatment center.
Behavioral Disorders An Addiction Psychiatrist Deals With
Patients suffering from substance or drug abuse may undergo several behavioral disorders. An addiction psychiatrist may help patients in managing them. These can be:
- Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia
- Mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder
- Impulse control disorders, including kleptomania
- Sleep disorders like insomnia
- Anxiety disorders such as OCD, panic disorder, and PTSD.
Where Do Addiction Psychiatrists Work?
Besides medication management, an addiction psychiatrist counsels people with drug addiction. They typically work in:
- Inpatient settings like residential treatment facilities or psychiatric hospitals
- Outpatient settings like hospitals, community mental health centers, etc.
- Research settings like pharmaceutical companies or universities.
When Do You Need To Visit An Addiction Psychiatrist?
When anyone has a drug addiction, an addiction psychiatrist is the right person to consult. Addiction psychiatrist understands a patient’s condition and deals with compulsive behaviors associated with substance abuse. They can even create a recovery plan and address emotional issues that may have exaggerated the condition. If you are searching for the same, iCare Psychiatry can be the go-to destination.
Conclusion
Drug or substance abuse is a frightening and common problem across the country. The condition can happen due to excessive use of alcohol, opioids, and illicit drugs. The consequences of substance abuse can be unbearable for those who have it. Additionally, it impacts a person’s physical and mental well-being, and the effects can last for a lifetime.
If you or your loved one (s) are suffering from the same condition, it is best to seek help from an addiction psychiatrist. Addiction psychiatrists have expertise in diagnosing and treating drug addiction. The treatments that these professionals offer generally incorporate an array of treatments. Further, these may include psychotherapy, medication, and many other evidence-based methods.
iCare Psychiatry Services is a trustworthy mental health service provider. One can count upon us for a complete management of addiction symptoms. We offer quality services, from the initial assessment to the final treatment. What makes us a trustworthy choice is our affordability and personalized treatment plan. Book your in-person or online appointment with our expert, Rubabetu Abimbola, PMHNP-BC. Call (331) 321-7220 or (833) 996-3301.