According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Mental Health, approximately 20.7 million people over the age of 12 suffer from a substance use disorder. This video highlights the need for certified addiction specialists and therapists to help treat those battling addiction. For holistic treatment, these specialists incorporate the fields of internal medicine, psychology, social work, mental health counseling, and public health to help drug and alcohol addicts recover. An addiction doctor will first need to evaluate a client before beginning treatment. They may run diagnostic tests such as physical exams, blood, and urine tests to find out how best to provide a course of treatment.
The treatments offered include medical detoxifications, behavioral therapies, and support groups. Medical detoxifications involve administering medicines to help individuals cope with withdrawal symptoms. Behavioral therapies and support groups help individuals deal with the cause of their addiction. Some prescribed treatments include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone for opioids; and naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram for alcohol abuse. When receiving treatment, it’s important to be open and honest about addiction to receive the best care possible. While there is no cure for substance addiction, the condition is treatable and manageable.
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