How we view and treat individuals struggling with addiction has evolved over the years. Millions of Americans struggle each day with the throes of addiction. To that end, addiction specialists play an essential role in providing hope and care to those seeking treatment.
What is an Addiction Specialist?
Addiction specialists are individuals working in the health field certified to treat people with an addiction. The requirements for licensure vary depending on each state. Because of that, answering the question, “What is an addiction specialist” varies depending on a person’s background. An addiction specialist could be a psychiatrist, physician, or a licensed counselor in another profession.
Qualified addiction specialists offer treatment for the physical and psychological effects of addiction, including:
- Detox services
- Inpatient treatment
- Treating withdrawal symptoms
- Overseeing group and individual therapy sessions
- Health issues associated with an addiction
They also provide education and other services to family members struggling under the burden of dealing with a loved one’s problems.
When Should You See an Addiction Specialist?
An addiction specialist can help individuals suffering from the fallout of their addiction issues, which could manifest in broken family relationships, lost employment, and difficulty in controlling emotions. Addiction specialist offer help for those dealing with the following addiction problems:
- Drugs
- Alcohol
- Process Addictions
- Gambling
- Sex
- Internet
- Gaming
By turning to an addiction specialist for help, you can begin receiving some much-needed support in your efforts at recovery, which hopefully leads to a better quality of life. Otherwise, your downward spiral could progress to the point where you’re in legal or financial trouble. Without help from an addiction specialist, you could also end up with irreversible health issues or even die from your addiction. If you find yourself in dire straits, it may be time to look for answers to the question, “What is an addiction specialist, and how can they help me?”
How Does an Addiction Specialist Help?
Addiction specialists typically offer guidance in the following areas:
- Assistance in repairing damaged relationships
- Help in getting you to recognize destructive patterns that result from an addiction
- Advice in dealing with any underlying trauma that exacerbates your addiction
- Learning coping skills to deal with temptations in the outside world
- Help learning how to live a normal life without falling back into your addiction
With the help of an addiction specialist, you can change the way you think and how you react to specific situations. They typically help you come up with a treatment plan that includes the following elements:
- Relapse prevention plan
- Set counseling sessions
- Beneficial habits
- Social service help
- Numbers to contact in a crisis
- Medication treatment as needed
- Nearby 12-Step or 12-Step alternative programs
Ideally, you’ll work as a team with your addiction specialist to come up with a path toward recovery. As you proceed, they should track your progress and make any needed adjustments to the treatment plan along the way.
Get Help From an Addiction Specialist at Atlantic Recovery Center
Atlantic Recovery Center offers clients the chance to receive help from addiction specialists by participating in one of our treatment programs.
- Residential Treatment Program
- Partial Hospitalization Program
- Intensive Outpatient Therapy Program
- Aftercare Program
Contact Atlantic Recovery Center at 1-866-824-5193 if you want more information around the question, “What is an addiction specialist? We’ll also tell you more about the programs and therapies available at our facility. Make a choice to take your life in a more positive direction.