Should I go to a psychiatrist for addiction?
Table of Contents
Should I go to a psychiatrist for addiction?
People of all ages who have a substance addiction disorder should consider seeing an addiction psychiatrist. People with a history of substance abuse and who have a mental health disorder, such as depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder should also consider seeing an addiction psychiatrist.
What do I tell my psychiatrist about medication?
When to Talk to Your Psychiatrist About Adjusting Your Medication
- You Have Intolerable Side Effects. Plenty of medications have side effects.
- Your Medication Stopped Working. It’s an unfortunate reality that sometimes a medication that was working well for us suddenly stops working.
- Your Symptoms Have Changed.
Can I tell my psychiatrist anything?
The short answer is that you can tell your therapist anything – and they hope that you do. It’s a good idea to share as much as possible, because that’s the only way they can help you.
How do psychiatrists treat drug addiction?
Addiction psychiatrists work with patients to determine the reasons for the development of their drug or alcohol addiction. If there is a need, they can prescribe medication to control withdrawal symptoms and treat underlying or co-existing psychiatric disorders.
What is the job of an addiction psychiatrist?
First and foremost, a drug addiction psychiatrist evaluates and attempts to diagnose patients for substance abuse and psychiatric diseases. The professional may then assess a patient’s abilities to perform the activities of daily living, such as dressing, eating, and bathing.
How do psychiatrists communicate?
The key to a productive meeting is good communication.
- Prepare for your appointment in advance.
- Once you’ve made notes, narrow them down.
- Be your own advocate.
- Allow for some give and take.
- Once you’ve given your current doctor a chance, you may honestly feel the relationship isn’t working.
What should you discuss with your psychiatrist?
When you’re seeing a psychiatrist for depression, talking about your symptoms openly and honestly is a must….When you’re talking about your depression, make sure to let your therapist know about:
- Medications you take.
- Sources of stress.
- Drug and alcohol use.
- Physical symptoms.
- Thoughts of suicide.
Should I tell everything to my psychiatrist?
What can I tell my therapist? The short answer is that you can tell your therapist anything – and they hope that you do. It’s a good idea to share as much as possible, because that’s the only way they can help you.
Should you tell your doctor if you’ve been on drugs?
Even if you used drugs a long time ago in high school or college, it’s still a good idea to let your doctor know. They might want to do extra blood tests depending on what drug you use. Even small infrequent drug use can have serious effects on your body. What if you’re taking someone else’s prescription medication?
What is it like to meet a psychiatrist for medication appointments?
Meeting with a psychiatrist during “medication appointments” is usually a very disempowering experience. The meetings usually last for 15 or 20 minutes. During the meeting we are expected to answer a few perfunctory questions and to leave with prescriptions for powerful drugs that can dramatically alter the quality of our lives.
Will I get a prescription when I see a psychiatrist?
If you consult a psychiatrist, you will probably receive a prescription for medication. But that depends mostly on the severity of your condition; not everyone who visits the office of a psychiatrist leaves with a prescription.
Why should I talk to my doctor about my drug addiction?
The point of talking to your doctor is to seek and obtain the kind of treatment that will help you stop abusing drugs and end your addiction. Your doctor can help you find the right treatment. Your options are not limited, and your physician can connect you with professionals and community resources dedicated to supporting you.