Addiction Medicine
Since it was formally recognized in 1990, the field of medicine known as "addiction medicine" has focused on the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of people who suffer from the disease of addiction, people who have health issues related to their use of substances, and people who engage in unhealthy substance use. These substances include nicotine, alcohol, prescription drugs, and other legal and illegal drugs. Addiction is a chronic, treatable medical condition that involves intricate connections between a person's environment, genetics, genetic makeup, and brain circuitry. Addiction prevention and treatment strategies are typically just as effective as those for other chronic disorders. To assess, identify, and treat those who are battling substance use problems, addiction medicine specialists have specialized training and significant expertise in the field. Their comprehensive training enables doctors to conceptualize, comprehend, and tailor treatments for individuals based on the genetic, biopsychosocial, and spiritual symptoms of addiction. Physicians who specialize in addiction medicine have further training in the use of medications to treat drug use disorders like opioid, alcohol, and tobacco addiction. The conversation about the opioid epidemic shifts from a criminal justice viewpoint to a medical perspective when addiction medicine specialists are involved. The current opioid problem cannot be solved by incarcerating more people. Instead, increasing public understanding and empathy towards those battling opioid use disorder will come from making it possible for laypeople to use naloxone to save lives, using medication to treat opioid use disorder, and reducing stigma against drug users and people with a substance use disorder, all of which are integral parts of addiction medicine. According to the mental health parity statute, health insurance must pay for addiction treatment. Because every insurance company offers varying degrees of coverage, patients must enquire about their coverage with their insurance company. Sadly, a lot of insurance providers could need prior authorizations (PAs) for medical care. NYSAM and New York State are aiming to reduce the number of PAs needed for addiction treatment.
Sub Track:
- Nicotine replacement therapy
- Pharmacotherapy
- Varenicline
- Bupropion
- Methadone
- Suboxone