What Is an Addictionologist and How They Aid Recovery

What Is an Addictionologist and How They Aid Recovery

For those navigating the complex journey of addiction recovery, specialized care can make a critical difference. At Legacy Healing Center, addictionologists—who are addiction medicine physicians with specialized training in treating addictions—play an integral role in providing the medical and psychological expertise necessary to heal from substance use disorders. Addiction professionals, including addiction medicine specialists, work together to support individuals struggling with addictions, ensuring a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to treatment.

Key Takeaways

  • Addictionologists are board-certified physicians specializing in diagnosing and treating substance use disorders through evidence-based, medically integrated care.
  • They collaborate with Legacy’s multidisciplinary teams to develop personalized, trauma-informed treatment plans—including detox, medication, therapy, and long-term recovery strategies.
  • Medical detox and dual diagnosis management are key areas where addictionologists ensure safety, comfort, and continuity of care across all levels of treatment.

Understanding Addictionology

Addictionology is a medical subspecialty focused on the treatment of substance use and co-occurring disorders. Once considered a self designated specialty, addictionology is now a recognized physician subspecialty, officially acknowledged by organizations such as the American Board of Medical Specialties. The society of addiction medicine, including groups like the American Society of Addiction Medicine, has played a key role in advancing the field and setting standards for clinical practice. It addresses addiction as a chronic, relapsing disease of the brain, using science-backed strategies that incorporate both physical and psychological care. Addictionologists treat unhealthy substance use, substance use and addiction, and other unhealthy substance behaviors, drawing on principles of preventive medicine to address these as preventable health problems.

Despite millions of Americans suffering from substance use disorders, fewer than 1 in 10 receive adequate treatment. That’s why Legacy’s model—grounded in addiction medicine and supported by addictionologists—is so vital. We meet the clinical urgency of addiction with licensed, compassionate, and informed care.

Understanding Substance Abuse

Substance abuse, more accurately referred to as substance use disorder, is a complex and chronic condition marked by the compulsive use of substances such as alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription medications, even when it leads to harmful consequences. This disorder can affect anyone, regardless of background, and often disrupts relationships, work, and overall well-being. The impact of substance abuse extends beyond the individual, affecting families and communities as well.

Addiction medicine physicians and addiction medicine specialists are uniquely trained to address the multifaceted nature of substance use disorders. Through comprehensive care, they provide accurate diagnosis, medication management, counseling, and crisis intervention tailored to each patient’s needs. These medical doctors use evidence-based approaches to help individuals safely manage withdrawal, address underlying causes, and build a foundation for lasting recovery. By integrating medical treatment with psychological support, addiction medicine professionals play a vital role in helping people overcome substance abuse and reclaim their lives.

What Does an Addictionologist Do?

At Legacy Healing Center, our addictionologists are clinical experts who provide patients with comprehensive care for substance related health conditions. They work closely with clients across the continuum of care, providing patients with access to credentialed addiction medicine specialists. Their roles include:

  • Participating in addiction treatment programs by evaluating and treating patients, including those affected by a loved one’s substance use issues, and supporting families.
  • Conducting comprehensive assessments and diagnosing substance use disorders.
  • Developing an individualized treatment plan for each patient, treating addiction with evidence-based therapies and ongoing support.
  • Adjusting treatment plans as part of ongoing care to meet the evolving needs of patients throughout their recovery process.
  • Prescribing medications as part of treating addiction, including medication-assisted treatment to manage withdrawal symptoms and support recovery.
  • Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to address co-occurring mental health and substance related health conditions.

1. Medical Evaluations and Diagnosis

  • Comprehensive assessment of substance use history and co-occurring mental health disorders (e.g., anxiety, PTSD, bipolar).
  • Identification of withdrawal risks and physiological dependencies.

2. Detox Supervision

  • Round-the-clock medical oversight during medically assisted detox at Legacy’s licensed residential centers.
  • Safe administration of medications to ease symptoms, prevent complications, and stabilize the body.

3. Customized Treatment Planning

  • Collaboration with therapists, case managers, and psychiatric providers to build individualized treatment plans.
  • Adjustments throughout the program to reflect clinical progress and emerging needs.

4. Medication Management

  • Use of evidence-based pharmacotherapies such as Suboxone, Vivitrol, or naltrexone, when clinically appropriate.
  • Ongoing monitoring for efficacy, side effects, and alignment with therapeutic goals.

Specialty of Addiction Psychiatry

Addiction psychiatry is a recognized medical subspecialty dedicated to the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of substance-related disorders, including substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Addiction psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed advanced training in addiction medicine and are certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Their in-depth knowledge of both the psychological aspects of addiction and the medical complexities of substance use allows them to provide highly specialized care.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team—including social workers, counselors, and other healthcare professionals—addiction psychiatrists deliver comprehensive care that addresses both the mental and physical health needs of individuals struggling with addiction. They are skilled in providing medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and ongoing support, ensuring that treatment services are tailored to each patient’s unique situation. Addiction psychiatrists also collaborate closely with family members, offering education and guidance to help loved ones understand the recovery process and provide effective support. By focusing on prevention, education, and evidence-based treatment, addiction psychiatry plays a crucial role in helping individuals achieve and maintain recovery from substance use disorders.

Why Addictionologists Are Crucial to Recovery

Addiction is rarely just about substance use. For most Legacy clients, there’s trauma, grief, co-occurring disorders, or chronic stress beneath the surface. That’s why addictionologists are essential—they help bridge the gap between medical stabilization and emotional healing, offering many benefits such as comprehensive, evidence-based care and improved outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders.

Benefits of Legacy’s Addictionologist Model:

  • Safe, comfortable detox without fear of unmanaged withdrawal
  • Increased success rates for dual diagnosis cases
  • Family education and involvement that supports recovery at home
  • Reduced risk of relapse through long-term medical and psychiatric oversight

Who Should See an Addictionologist?

You or your loved one may benefit from an addictionologist if:

  • Past treatment attempts have failed due to medical or psychiatric instability
  • There is a risk of dangerous withdrawal (from alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids)
  • There are co-occurring diagnoses like anxiety, trauma, or depression
  • You need help determining what level of care is appropriate

Getting Started at Legacy Healing Center

Legacy Healing Center offers a full medical team at each residential and detox campus, with addictionologists involved in every step of the recovery journey. Whether you begin in Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, or Cherry Hill, or step down to outpatient care in Cincinnati or Parsippany, our addiction medicine team ensures continuity, compassion, and expertise.

Admissions Includes:

  • Free, confidential clinical consultation
  • Insurance verification and benefit review
  • Placement recommendations based on medical and emotional needs

FAQs

What credentials does an addictionologist hold?Addictionologists are physicians (MD or DO) who complete additional training and board certification in addiction medicine—recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Certification can also be obtained through the American Board of Preventive Medicine, which is a member board of the ABMS. The board of preventive medicine plays a key role in certifying addiction medicine specialists through its examination and recognition process.

Is an addictionologist the same as a psychiatrist?Not exactly. While both may treat substance use disorders, addictionologists specialize in the medical management of addiction and detox. Some are also psychiatrists, but not all.

Do I need to see an addictionologist to start rehab?At Legacy, addictionologists are part of your care team during medical detox and medication management. You don’t need to seek one separately—we’ll ensure you’re evaluated and supported from day one.

Begin Healing with Legacy

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, the right medical care can change everything. Call Legacy Healing Center today for a confidential consultation and discover how our addiction medicine team can support your path to lasting recovery.