In recent years, addiction has become the leading cause of death for young people in the US. In 2020 alone, there were an estimated 93,000 fatal drug overdoses, a staggering 29% increase compared to the previous year [4]. Moreover, the impact of addiction extends beyond substance abuse. Around 8.7 million Americans suffer from simultaneous mental health disorders and substance use disorders, clinically referred to as a dual diagnosis, highlighting the interconnected nature and urgency of these conditions [2].
When you decide to get help with addiction and co-occurring psychiatric disorders, a large component of addiction treatment is guided by an addiction psychiatrist. SAMHSA’s 2023 Behavioral Health Workforce Report estimated that there were approximately 1,200 addiction psychiatrists in the United States [3]. These highly trained professionals possess specialized knowledge in the field of addiction psychiatry to diagnose, treat, and manage complex cases where substance abuse issues and mental illness are simultaneously affecting you.
We are the trusted professionals for addiction psychiatry and treatment in the Los Angeles, California area. Call us today to get started.
The Role of an Addiction Psychiatrist
An addiction psychiatrist is a medical specialist skilled in recognizing, managing, and preventing the onset of substance abuse disorders and addictive behaviors. An addiction therapist can also assist people not just in one-on-one therapy, but within group therapy as well. Both are used so you can receive the different benefits they offer. With individual therapy, you’re able to really tackle your personal background, and substance use history, and dive into your coping strategies. Group therapy is a great place to connect with others who may have similar experiences and can relate to how you may be feeling.
How Addiction Psychiatrists Treat Addiction and Mental Health Conditions Simultaneously
An addiction psychiatrist’s role involves addressing co-existing mental health conditions, which are often present alongside substance use disorders. When diagnosed with a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time, it is treated as a dual diagnosis. A dual diagnosis refers to the co-occurrence of addiction and a mental health disorder.
The mental health disorder component of a dual diagnosis can range from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, other mood disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to personality disorders, and more. Dual-diagnosis cases require specialized treatment approaches that address both the addictive disorders and the underlying mental health issues, as the two often influence and magnify each other. Integrated care and comprehensive treatment programs tailored to your unique needs with dual diagnosis are crucial for successful recovery.
Related: Helping a Loved One through Co-Occurring Addiction & Mental Illness
Get Personalized Treatment Plans for Addiction Recovery
Don’t let addiction dominate your life; learn more about our addiction psychiatrists who can develop tailored treatment plans that are specifically designed for you. At Clear Behavioral Health we approach mental health and substance abuse treatment with multiple therapeutic styles.
Effective Psychotherapy Techniques Used for Addiction at Clear Behavioral Health
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identify negative thought patterns and learn healthier coping strategies.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focus on emotional regulation skills and mindfulness practices for better impulse control.
- Family Therapy: Work with family members as part of the support system throughout the recovery process.
- Group Therapy: Fostering a safe space to freely contribute your feelings and experiences with others who can relate. This establishes connections within your sober network and brings perspective to your journeys.
Combining medication management with evidence-based psychotherapy techniques can help you achieve lasting recovery success, which is included at Clear Behavioral Health. In addition, we offer inpatient and outpatient programs.
What is the difference between Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment?
When you enter a treatment program that is inpatient for recovery, this means you’ll be living at a rehab or detox facility while receiving treatment. This means having 24/7 care while you continue your treatment plan.
Outpatient programs are when you do not live at the treatment center. You’ll still get one-on-one therapy, family therapy, group therapy, and holistic modalities during the day, all while having the flexibility to continue with your personal schedule.
Alternative Therapies in Addiction Psychiatry
Addiction psychiatrists may also explore alternative therapies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for patients who do not respond well to conventional approaches.
These innovative techniques have shown promise in addressing various mental health conditions and substance abuse disorders by targeting specific areas of the brain responsible for regulating mood, impulse control, and reward-seeking behaviors.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
TMS is a non-invasive procedure that involves placing a coil against the scalp near the forehead area where it delivers repetitive magnetic pulses stimulating nerve cells within the targeted region of the brain associated with mood regulation.
This method has gained traction as an alternative treatment option for those struggling with medication-resistant depression but is now being explored further as a potential tool in combating substance use disorders. Some studies suggest TMS could help reduce cravings while promoting abstinence from substances.
Where is TMS Offered
We are proud to offer the groundbreaking TMS treatment through our sister company, Neuro Wellness Spa. When receiving addiction psychiatry treatment at Clear Behavioral Health, you can also receive treatment through Neuro Wellness Spa for TMS, which in addition to regular treatment can offer ample relief to your withdrawal symptoms.
Collaborative Addiction Treatment
The integration of these cutting-edge treatments into comprehensive treatment plans demonstrates how our addiction psychiatrists continue to evolve and adapt their approaches in order to provide the most effective support for you on your journey toward recovery.
The collaborative approach to patient care provided by our team of addiction psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors includes long-term recovery support to ensure successful outcomes when struggling with mental health and addiction.
Our team recognizes the complex interplay between mental health and substance abuse, addressing the underlying psychological and emotional health factors that contribute to addictive behaviors. Addiction psychiatrists offer invaluable support, utilizing evidence-based practices, therapy, and medication management to help you achieve and maintain long-term recovery.
By addressing your unique needs, addiction psychiatry fosters healing, empowerment, and resilience, ultimately improving the quality of life for those on the path to recovery.
Importance of Multidisciplinary Teams at Clear Behavioral Health
Our team of specialists can make addiction treatment more successful and offer sustained assistance by:
- Patient-centered approach: We ensure individualized attention tailored to your specific needs by assessing your substance use patterns, medical history, and mental well-being.
- Better communication: Working together as a cohesive unit leads to better-informed decisions regarding patient care.
- Addiction medicine: Addiction psychiatrists work with pharmacists and addiction medicine experts to help you achieve recovery from drug abuse and psychiatric disorders with medication-assisted treatment, drug tapering, and prescriptions that can ease the pain of certain withdrawal symptoms.
- Holistic treatment: Addressing all aspects of your well-being and incorporating holistic therapies including mindfulness, yoga, breath work, and sound baths increases the likelihood of long-term sobriety success.
- Sustained support: Our multidisciplinary team can provide ongoing care and support, helping you maintain your recovery even after completing an addiction treatment program.
Learn more about addiction psychiatry and treatment programs in the Los Angeles, California area. Contact our experts today.
Recovery with the Help of Clear Behavioral Health
Our dedicated team of addiction psychiatrists and other mental health professionals is committed to providing personalized treatment plans, evidence-based therapies, and ongoing support, guiding you toward a life of lasting recovery and renewed hope.
Take the first step towards a brighter future by contacting us today to learn more about our substance abuse treatment programs in the Los Angeles, CA area. We offer a full continuum of care for substance use disorders including medical detox, drug detox, and alcohol detox in Redondo Beach, residential rehab in Gardena, and outpatient addiction treatment programs. We’d love to help you begin your sobriety journey.
References:
- Treatment and Recovery | National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2025, January 8). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery
- Drug addiction (substance use disorder) – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20365113
- 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) releases. (n.d.). CBHSQ Data. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/data-we-collect/nsduh-national-survey-drug-use-and-health/national-releases/2023
- Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. up 30% in 2020. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2021/20210714.htm
