“What does an addiction psychiatrist do?”

An Addiction Psychiatrist handles all aspects of addiction, which is generally viewed as a psychiatric disorder itself, as well as the psychiatric disorders that may be a result of the addiction or a condition that predisposed to the addiction.

He or she would treat substance use disorder/dependence.

Addiction psychiatrists are general psychiatrists with a specialty training in addiction. They are the best equipped to manage cases of Substance use disorders along with other psychiatric conditions that commonly exist with addiction like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorder. I see general psych conditions as well as plain addiction issues like opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder, as well as these conditions complicated with other conditions. Psychiatrists are best able to assess these disorders and treat appropriately. They usually work in tandem with counselors and other mental health professionals to provide comprehensive care to maximize the best outcome for patients in recovery.