Addiction medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the treatment and resolution of addictive behaviors. This specialty incorporates a multi-disciplinary approach to addiction medicine. Often, a patient will need the support of social services and mental health specialists, in addition to medical supervision, in order to address the many issues that the person’s addictive behavior has caused in his or her life. Some of the elements that Burlington addiction medicine specialists address are the processes of withdrawal, detoxification, harm reduction, rehabilitation and individual and group therapeutic interventions.
Addiction medicine specialists often supervise rehabilitation centers where a patient is medically supported in undergoing withdrawal from the addictive substance. In a comprehensive rehabilitation program, the patient will also engage in both individual and group therapy sessions in order to address all of the underlying psychological issues propelling his or her addictive behavior. Some do have a background in internal medicine and will also offer general health care to patients who are experiencing health issues, many of which have developed due to their addictive behaviors.