Who’s Who in Addiction Medicine

Numerous factors play a role in the development of addiction including social environment and family history (Read Addiction and Genetics). Because of the complex nature of the origins of an addiction, the treatment must be equally complex in order to be effective (Read Recovery Statistics: What Works?). For this reason, many people are involved in helping a recovering addict return to and maintain lifelong sobriety. This article will describe the numerous people who are involved.

Psychiatrists – Psychiatrists are medical doctors who are able to diagnose and treat addictions and other mental health conditions. They can prescribe medications to treat the symptoms of withdrawal during the detox process (Read Withdrawal and Detox: Get the Facts) or they may help a recovering addict transition from using a highly addictive and damaging substance like heroin by prescribing replacement drugs (Read Methadone and Suboxone During Pregnancy: Risks and Benefits and Methadone Treatments: Are They for You?). Additionally, psychiatrists will treat any other co-occurring mental health issues that may have caused or been exacerbated by the addiction (Read Dual Diagnosis: When Addiction and Mental Health Collide, Suicide and Substance Abuse: Know the Risks, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: When the Past Affects the Present). Especially in the first few years after going through rehab, individuals in recovery should try to see their psychiatrists on a regular basis to handle related issues as they come up.

Psychologists – Psychologists are doctorally trained mental health professionals who help recovering addicts and their family members (Read Talk It Out: Is Therapy Right for You?). While at rehab, recovering addicts will often participate in individual and/or group therapy sessions to discuss underlying issues that may have contributed to the addiction, to learn to accept personal responsibility for being healthy and sober, and to develop coping mechanisms that will help them deal with stressors in the future (Read Stressed? Avoid Unhealthy Coping Strategies and What Happens at Rehab?). Spouses, parents, children, siblings, and other relatives of an addict can benefit from therapy to resolve personal feelings of guilt, shame, and anger (Read The Addict Parent: What it Means for Child Development, Co-Dependency: Are you “Addicted” to Addiction?, and How to Forgive an Addict). Additionally, therapy may be beneficial for couples and families in order to heal some of the strain that addiction can put on relationships (Read ‘Til Death Do Us Part? When Addiction Challenges Established Relationships and Alcoholism’s Effects on the Family).

Psychiatric Nurses - Psychiatric nurses remain with a recovering addict during their stay at a medical center or a rehab facility. The nurses monitor the patient and communicate possible withdrawal symptoms that they observe to the patient’s psychiatrist.  They are also the first line of defense during unexpected emergency situations.

Interventionists – Interventionists play a pivotal role in ending addiction. They meet with and prepare family before leading a tough-love meeting with an addict or alcoholic (Read Intervention FAQ and Intervention: Is It Time?). Having an interventionist on board can be crucial because they are not emotionally invested in the same way that family members are and because they have been trained to respond to the many excuses that an addict may use to avoid getting help (Read Common Excuses for Not Seeking Treatment and Why You Shouldn’t Fight Addiction Alone).

Addiction Counselors – Addiction counselors often work in conjunction with rehab facilities and help guide the patient through the early stages of the recovery process.  Some will even stay in contact with their counselees long after the patient’s initial rehab stay to provide long-term support. Some may have specific religious affiliations or spiritual beliefs and, as a result, can provide related advice, if employed by a Christian or other religious facility or as a result of having possibly participated in a 12-step program themselves (Read The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention).

Sponsors – Sponsors are an important part of 12-step programs such as Alcoholic Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous (Read The History of the 12-Step Program and Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous). These individuals are usually recovering addicts or alcoholics themselves who have been sober for a year or longer, but, because of their past experiences, can empathize with all of the challenges that those whom they sponsor are facing. They commit to supporting those who are newly in recovery through cravings and life stressors to decrease the likelihood of relapse (Read Gotta Have It? Control Your Cravings and Reduce the Risk of Relapse). Many 12-step programs encourage the more senior members to consider sponsoring others (Read Addicts Helping Addicts: Reasons to Become a Sponsor). However, as a general rule, opposite sex sponsorship is discouraged because the relationship between sponsor and the recovering addict can be very personal, emotionally intense, and time-consuming; it would be counterproductive for a romantic relationship to develop under these circumstances only to potentially end badly and perhaps be a catalyst for relapse (Read Don’t Give Up: Relapse Isn’t Failure).

The Recovering Addict/Family – Perhaps the most important players are the person in recovery and their relatives and friends; their roles in achieving the goal of a happy, healthy life should not be diminished. Although many people will participate in the recovery process, ultimately, the patient, family, and friends will need to be committed to sobriety over the long term.  The negative relational effects of addiction can be extensive and far-reaching, and, more than for most other physical or mental health conditions, recovery requires a team effort.

How Can I Get Help for Myself or Someone I Know?

Speak with a highly qualified interventionist or addiction consultant today!  Get recommendations for rehab facilities or learn more about how to arrange for an intervention. Whatever your questions, get answers now so that you can move forward with your life.