Addiction specialists address the seriousness of addiction as a medical problem with an underlying psychiatric basis. These specialists are called addiction psychiatrists and specialize in psychology relating to addiction.
Addiction specialists are experts in behavioral therapy. They focus on treating and evaluating persons with alcohol, drug or substance addiction. They work by combining psychological therapies with medication and nutritional advice. Most residential addiction rehab centers employ qualified addiction specialists. Doctors who treat patients with HIV are also experts in treating patients who suffer substance addiction. The professional organization of addiction specialists is the Association for Addiction Professionals. To become a member of this association, the professional must be a certified addiction specialist. It is a global organization that also has a chapter in the U.S. The organization supports research in addiction psychology, lobbies for changes and improvement in addiction focused medical practice and regulates professionals standards and certification of addiction specialists.
