Addiction medicine is a field of medicine that is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of people with drug and alcohol addiction. Addiction medicine physicians work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They may specialize in helping people with a specific addiction, such as opioids, alcohol, or cocaine, or they may specialize in treating people with co-occurring mental health and addiction issues. Combining the fields of psychiatry and medicine to provide patients with a wide range of services, including diagnosis, treatment, and management of addiction and related medical issues, addiction medicine has evolved into a specialized field of practice. Addiction medicine doctors also help people manage their cravings and withdrawal symptoms and provide counseling to help their patients achieve long-term recovery. They also provide medication-based treatment options, such as medication-assisted therapy to help people reduce or quit their substance use.

Many people can benefit from seeing an addiction medicine physician, including those who are exhibiting the signs or symptoms of addiction. Common signs of addiction include:
– Secretiveness
– Lying
– Stealing
– Financial unpredictability
– Changes in social groups
– New and unusual friends
– Odd phone conversations
– Repeated unexplained outings, often with urgency
– Drug paraphernalia such as pipes, scales, etc.
– Stashes of drugs, often hidden

Common symptoms of addiction include:
– Tolerance (higher quantity needed to achieve same effects)
– Withdrawal symptoms, such as cravings, irritability
– Difficulty cutting down or controlling the addiction
– Recreational activities becoming focused on the addiction
– Important social and occupational roles being jeopardized
– Spending less time on previously enjoyable activities
– Extreme mood changes
– Sleeping more or less than usual
– Changes in energy
– Weight loss or weight gain
– Unexpected and persistent coughs or sniffles
– Pupils are smaller or larger than usual

Addiction medicine can treat virtually any kind of addiction that involves substance use, including:
– alcohol
– opioids, including both illicit and prescription
– cannabis
– nicotine
– amphetamines
– cocaine
– methamphetamine

Most insurance plans cover addiction medicine, however not all do, so it is important to check with your insurance provider before scheduling an appointment in order to determine your coverage.

Addiction medicine doctors receive a medical degree from an accredited medical school, and then further specialize in addiction medicine. To practice in the United States, they must have an unrestricted and currently valid medical license and receive board certification in their respective field.

If you or someone you love is showing the signs or symptoms of addiction, come to Psychiatry Unplugged today to get the help you need. Our team of addiction medicine specialists is experienced in helping people from all backgrounds overcome their addictions. Call us today or book an appointment with our addiction medicine specialist, or visit our clinic conveniently located in Los Angeles CA, and Glendale CA. We serve patients from Los Angeles CA, Glendale CA, Beverly Hills CA, Santa Monica CA, Hollywood CA, Burbank CA, and Pasadena CA. We look forward to serving you!