The Top Doctors Specializing in ADDICTION MEDICINE in VA

Addiction medicine is a medical subspecialty, formally recognized since 1990, concerned with the prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of persons with the disease of addiction, of those with substance-related health conditions, and of people who show unhealthy use of substances, including nicotine, alcohol, prescription medications, and other licit and illicit drugs. In 2016, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), officially recognized addiction medicine as a medical subspecialty under the American Board of Preventive Medicine. This action emphasized the importance of addiction medicine as a distinct subspecialty among other subspecialties in the field of medicine. Addiction medicine specialists have extensive experience and advanced training in the field of Addiction medicine to evaluate, diagnose, and treat people who are struggling with substance use disorders. Their advanced training helps them conceptualize and understand the genetic and biopsychosocial and spiritual manifestations of addiction and tailor treatments for patients. Addiction medicine physicians also have advanced training in medication treatment for substance use disorders, such as opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and tobacco use disorder. Addiction medicine physicians also generally have a greater understanding of the intersectionality between substance use disorder and social and structural determinants of health. Many of the patients we treat have been harmed by policies and practices that stigmatize and shame patients who have struggled with substance use disorders. Addiction medicine physicians can be powerful advocates for their patients and help drive public policy in a way that promotes wellness among our patients and society. The problem of substance use disorder, however, has exceeded the workforce of addiction medicine physicians in the United States. This makes it essential that medical providers obtain more education in the field of addiction and work collaboratively in their practices with addiction medicine specialists, similar to other specialities, such as cardiology and endocrinology.