Treating drug addiction is a skill that takes training, practice, and patience. If you’ve ever wondered what an addiction specialist does, you’re not alone. With so many different titles around, it can be challenging. It’s a good time to clear up any confusion so you know what you’re getting into and who you’ll be dealing with when you make the choice to seek help for drug or alcohol addiction. Addiction specialists are a big part of the team at Right Step Rehab Hill Country and will be a tremendous help on your road to recovery. Learn more about their roles:
An Addiction Specialist is a Well-Qualified Health Professional
An addiction specialist saves lives. The 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) showed that for that year, slightly more than 20 million people aged 12 or older wrestled with drug and alcohol dependence. Today, the need for health professionals who can treat people suffering from substance use disorders is great. We have a better understanding now of how addiction develops, and what can be done to fight it.
So, what is an addiction specialist, and what types of certifications are held? The answer is: It depends on where you live. Addiction specialists may have different certifications depending on the requirements of the state where they work and what their background is. For example, this applies to any state, but an addiction specialist in Texas might be a professional physician, psychiatrist, or counselor. Various organizations may certify addiction specialists upon completion of additional training courses.
Here are a few that are authorized to certify along with the kinds of medical professionals that seek addiction specialist certification:
- Educational counseling graduate degree holders
- Human behavior, human services, or psychology college graduates
- Licensed social workers, and counselors
- Physicians, psychologists, and registered nurses
- School counselors
Organizations that certify include:
- The American Academy of Health Care Professionals in the Addictive Disorders (AAHCP) approves Certified Addiction Specialists (CAS)
- The American Institute of Health Care Professionals offers the Certified Substance Abuse Practitioners (CSAP) certification
- Addiction medicine specialization doctors are certified by the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM)
- Addiction medicine specialization psychiatrists are certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPM)
When to Seek Help from an Addiction Specialist
If you think that you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, you should speak with a quality addiction treatment program in Texas for an assessment. You’ll also learn about treatment options and their specific interpretation to “What is an addiction specialist?” In other words, what each medical professional offers may differ slightly. Even so, the goal is the same: Your total recovery, short-term, and long-term.
What is an Addiction Specialist’s Role in a Rehab Facility
Trained addiction specialists who are counselors, physicians or psychiatrists in a rehab facility work together.
They help you overcome your struggles of drug or alcohol addiction with these approaches:
- Individual and family therapy
- Addiction therapy for grief and trauma
- Detox for alcohol and drug dependency
- Aftercare programs
- And use many other strategies
Every situation is different. Getting the assistance you require to recover may include a hybrid of treatment solutions.
The Benefits of Seeking Help Sooner Rather Than Later
Addiction robs people of their identity. The longer you wait to get the help you need to recover, the further away you go from discovering the real you. Independence is the best part about knowing the answer to “What is an addiction specialist?” That’s because, right now, these compassionate medical professionals are located at substance abuse treatment programs in Texas and are ready to treat those suffering from addiction. Let’s win together. Call the Right Step at 1.844.675.1628 today. You’re not alone.