Addiction affects millions of people, especially teenagers; it is a battle that you cannot win on your own. You need a partner to help you through the process, and the partner must have the relevant skills to understand, diagnose and give a solution to your predicaments. Working with a psychiatrist can help you recover from the substance addition challenges; they will choose the right treatment plan and support you need to recover.
Who is an addiction psychiatrist?
An addiction psychiatrist focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions that accompany alcohol or drug abuse. They specialize in treating addicts of all ages with illegal drugs, alcohol, and other medicinal prescriptions complicated by mental conditions such as depression and mental disorders.
They evaluate the patient medical history of substance use and the status of their mental health. The diagnosis by addiction psychiatrists is based on conditions such as disorders (personality, eating, sleep, and bipolar), dementia, depression, and PTSD related to drug addiction. They then assess the addict’s ability to perform daily duties based on the medical reports. After that, they provide substance abuse treatment plans and medication for recovery.
Which addicts should see a psychiatrist?
Anyone with substance abuse addiction, regardless of age, gender and origin, should see an addiction psychiatrist to help in the treatment process. Individuals with a history of drug addiction and currently developing mental challenges should see an addiction psychiatrist for help. Sometimes those who see a psychiatrist are referred by addiction therapists or those who willingly go for inpatient or outpatient hospital services.
When should you see an addiction psychiatrist?
You need to seek the services of an addiction psychiatrist when you are addicted to drugs. You can visit them for help before the addiction prolongs to mental illness. You can check for the following conditions to gauge whether you need to see a psychiatrist or not:
- The feeling of needing to use the drugs frequently
- Inability to stop using the substances
- When you get irritated or anxious when the substances are not available
- You try and hide substance abuse from people, and you feel you do not their help.
- You begin engaging in sexual malpractices, such as having multiple partners.
- Exhibiting negative behaviors such as stealing to get drugs or spending mall your finances on drugs.
- You begin experiencing other mental conditions such as memory loss and depression.
How exactly will the psychiatrist help with the addition?
Psychiatrists have different means of helping those facing addiction challenges. The methods include the following.
Talk therapy
There are many forms of talk therapies, and each has its effects. Some help the victims to overcome the guilt, develop a coping mechanism, accept their status and develop solutions to their problems. The two most common forms of talk therapy include CBT and motivational interviewing.
CBT helps you recognize the need to change the behavior pattern and thoughts to facilitate recovery. It helps you develop new thinking patterns full of optimism and positivity. Motivational interviewing is based on identifying patient goals and motivating to harness their motivations and goals to facilitate the change process. This therapy is goal-oriented and client-oriented and is one of the most effective men to cure addiction.
Medication
Psychiatrists will engage in a series of tests and examinations before they understand whatever is wrong with the addictions. These diagnostics are essential for developing treatment mechanisms to help patients deal with addiction. These medications can address addiction and mental conditions. Some of them address the withdrawal symptoms to give the patient an easy time when recovering. Other medication can address sleep and eating disorders to promote healthy living. Certain medications such as lockers (Vivitrol and suboxone) help the victims quit certain drugs such as street opiates. They are significant in reducing alcohol consumption amongst alcoholics.
Diagnostic of mental illnesses
Mental health conditions can contribute significantly to substance abuse; a psychiatrist can identify the mental health conditions that trigger the addiction and recommend a treatment plan. The mental health treatment plan is significant in the journey to addiction recovery.
Bottom line
Substance abuse and addiction is a tough battle for you to fight alone. You need an experienced partner who will understand you and help you through the process. Above all, you need a partner experienced in dealing with substance addiction and related mental health conditions. Accepting help and walking into a psychiatric center or hospital is the beginning of the recovery process. You can make it out of addiction as long as you look for help from the right place. Contact us today at 614-705-0611 to start your recovery journey.