Psychiatrist Questions Psychiatrist

Should I go to a psychiatrist for alcohol addiction?

I have an alcohol addiction. Should I go to a psychiatrist for alcohol addiction?

4 Answers

Alcohol dependency is a difficult addiction, and requires multiple modalities for successful treatment. A psychiatrist (for potential medication prescription), a psychologist or therapist to help with coping strategies, and a group support system, such as a 12 step is best for an optimal and sustained outcome.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor, so they may be able to help with some aspects of treating alcohol addiction, such as medication. Medications prescribed for alcohol addiction may be designed to rebalance the chemicals in the brain, stop cravings, or create unwanted side effects (e.g., nausea) that may be experienced when consuming alcohol. However, an approach that includes psychotherapy and/or support groups, which would typically not be provided by a psychiatrist, is also recommended in addition to medication. Some types of therapies that utilize an aversive conditioning approach (i.e., creating a negative association with the source of addiction) may be implemented to treat alcohol addiction.
You can go to a psychiatrist and/or psychologist to treat alcohol addiction. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can advise you regarding medication options. A psychologist can provide you with a variety of therapies to help treat and reduce the risk of relapse.
See this link
https://www.health.harvard.edu/addiction/alcohol-abuse
and
yes a psychiatrist should be part of the team.