An addiction psychiatrist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of substance abuse and the mental health conditions that accompany it. Addiction psychiatrists treat people of all ages who have addictions to illegal drugs, alcohol, and prescription medications complicated by coexisting mental health disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.

An addiction psychiatrist typically:
– Evaluates a patient’s medical history, history of substances the patient is using or has used and mental health status

– Diagnose psychiatric diseases and conditions including substance addiction, depression, dementia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, post-traumatic

  stress disorder, personality disorders, sleep disorders, and eating disorder

– Assesses the degree of substance abuse and formulates a treatment plan accordingly

– Orders and interprets laboratory tests

– Provides comprehensive substance abuse treatment and addiction therapy, such as psychotherapy. In some cases, the doctor will refer

  patients to a dedicated addiction therapist for more frequent counseling sessions.
– Prescribes medications, helps manage their usage, and determines if the medication is working, as well as monitors side effects

– Provides detoxification treatment to safely wean patients off substances