What is Addiction Medicine?

Addiction Medicine is a form of health care that is used to treat patients who are addicted to substances. This type of medicine has various treatments, including medications and alternative treatments. There are also painful side effects that can occur. For this reason, many people are unwilling to get involved with it.

Treatment options

Addiction medicine is a broad field that includes many types of therapy. Treatment plans are tailored to suit the individual needs of patients. Evidence-based guidelines are useful in determining the most effective treatments for each patient.

Medications are an important part of treatment for many addicted individuals. Especially in combination with counseling, they can help with withdrawal symptoms and support sobriety.

Medication can also be used to treat co-occurring mental health conditions. These medications can be administered in a specialized outpatient setting.

Behavioral therapies are another critical component of treatment. These techniques focus on changing the attitude of the addict and rebuilding relationships. They can be administered on a one-to-one or group basis. Counselors can also help people locate self-help support groups.

Recovery housing is a short-term stay that prepares people for long-term treatment in a therapeutic community. The housing program also helps residents adjust to their new lifestyle and provides advice on finding work.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing an addiction is no small feat. It’s also not the most fun. Besides, the odds of success are abysmal. To compound the problem, many doctors aren’t too keen on making the diagnosis. This is unfortunate because, as with any other medical specialty, it is an art form. Luckily, there are a few doctors who are agile enough to keep their patients’ best interests at heart. A few of them are listed in this article. They include a psychiatrist, a medical Robotnik, and many health care professionals. Of course, their skills are complemented by a healthy dose of apathy. The trick is to stay on top of your game.

The best way to go about it is to do a little reading. You need to keep an open mind. If you’re on a tight budget, don’t be afraid to shop around. A savvy practitioner will be able to find a suitable specialist with a minimum of hassle. Likewise, if your doctor is more of an explorer than an enforcer, you’ll be rewarded with a more holistic view of your condition.

Painful side effects

Painful side effects of prescription drugs can be devastating, not to mention the associated health costs. Thankfully, there are ways to avoid pain and the associated health hazards, some of which are simple and cost-effective. The best way to do this is to talk to a doctor and be honest about your condition. Most healthcare providers are there to keep you alive and healthy, not shame you into taking a medication you don’t need or are too weak to withstand.

As mentioned above, some pain medications can be addictive. For example, codeine, a common opioid that’s a close cousin of morphine, can be highly addictive. It’s not uncommon for users to take two or more daily doses, and the consequences can be dire. Those with asthma or other respiratory conditions are also at a greater risk. Luckily, there are programs designed to help you and your loved ones through the rough and tumble of addiction.

Cost

Addiction medicine can be an expensive endeavor. There are many types of treatment, and the cost can vary greatly. The type of facility, the length of time spent in treatment, and the geographic location can affect the price.

A person addicted to heroin may spend over $50,000 a year. They will also have to purchase substances and maintain a habit. In addition, a major meth habit can cost over $30,000 a year.

Other costs that are related to addiction are lost wages, legal issues, and lost property. Many people with substance use disorders do not consider these costs until it becomes a problem.

The overall cost of drug abuse is paid by society. It includes medical costs, health insurance, and law enforcement. This is often the reason why addicts do not seek help.

The CDC reports that prescription opioid use has reached crisis levels. It is estimated that the total cost of the opioid epidemic over the next decade will be over $630 billion.