Over the years, you may have fallen into a steady pattern of addiction and drug use. Maybe you are not sure how to regain your long-lost sobriety. This problem is one that affects millions of people around the world and can be very tough to manage. Thankfully, an addiction specialist can help you out in many ways. But what is an addiction specialist? Read on to find more about these high-quality professionals. Doing so could change your life for the better by helping you overcome addiction for good.
Do you need to upgrade your addiction education? Call us today at 866.262.0531 to learn more.
What is an Addiction Specialist?
An addiction specialist is a certified professional who understands the medical and psychiatric elements of this disease. They work to not only help prevent addiction from impacting a person but manage the development of substance use symptoms. Each addiction specialist can perform many different care options to help you recover.
As a result, most high-quality addiction treatment facilities have at least one addiction specialist on staff at all times to help their clients. These experts may also tweak the approach provided by the center therapists. In this way, they can direct your recovery and give you the best chance of overcoming substance use that you can get anywhere. But what exact role do they play?
Addiction specialists can provide different types of treatment for substance use. This includes behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy, and detoxification services. They typically have a wide range of contacts in the medical field to help coordinate care that is tailored to the individual’s needs. Additionally, they may provide family counseling and other forms of assistance to ensure that you are receiving the best treatment possible.
The addiction specialist is an important part of any recovery team and should be consulted when making decisions about which treatment plan is right for you. They can help you make informed choices that reflect your needs, goals, and lifestyle. Above all else, they provide a valuable resource to those in need as they struggle through their addiction journey.
How Does an Addiction Specialist Help?
Now that you know the answer to the question, “What is an addiction specialist?” you need to know their range of duties. These experts are among the most trusted and skilled substance use counselors. Their medical training allows them to handle a myriad of different problems. Just a few methods that they use to help figure out what is wrong include:
- Screening – Addiction specialists can very quickly discover the root of your addiction
- Counseling – Sit down with these experts to learn more about your addiction
- Psychological assessment – Learn more about why you abuse substances
- Health check – Figure out what physical health problems are currently worsening your addiction
As these specialists have medical degrees, they can also prescribe you many types of medications to help you recover. And they can also refer you to other specialists, as needed, to ensure that you recover fully and effectively. It is essential to delve deeper into the full range of benefits that these professionals can provide.
What Care Methods Do They Provide?
Addiction specialists can provide a whole spectrum of treatment options for you and others like you. Their training covers just about every aspect of substance use care and provides you with the personal insight that you need to regain your sobriety. Just a few care options that they provide for you include:
- Partial hospitalization – This care option helps if you need full-time medical care for your addiction
- Intensive outpatient treatment – Helps manage your issues while allowing you to go home
- Inpatient care – Receive 24/7 counseling from addiction specialists while you stay at a facility
- Alternative care options – Try out holistic care, such as acupuncture and yoga therapy
- Adventure therapy – Learn to enjoy love again with fun and exciting adventures
So when asking, “What is an addiction specialist?” it is essential to understand that they are a comprehensive care expert who can handle all levels of your recovery. They are tireless advocates for your health and will work as hard as possible to ensure that you can heal and feel satisfied with life. Just as importantly, they can provide you detailed guidance when you have lost your way. Sometimes, all you need is a caring face and a guiding light to walk away from substance use forever.
Get the Help That You Need
Ultimately, an addiction specialist can be an invaluable part of a person’s recovery process. They are compassionate professionals who understand the complexities of this disease and strive to provide the best care possible for each individual they work with. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, it is important to seek out an addiction specialist for help.
If you still need more help answering the question, “What is an addiction specialist?” please do not hesitate to contact us at Crestview Recovery today. Our specialists have years of experience helping people like you. We treat all substances at all levels and have Master level therapists on staff at all times. With our extended 90-day care program, you can receive individual therapy, trauma care, dual-diagnosis, and much more. So please call 866.262.0531 today and verify your insurance to get our Joint Commission accredited care.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
