Last Updated on June 11, 2025

Addiction Psychiatrists: Bridging Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment

When it comes to treating substance use disorders, medical expertise alone is not enough. Addiction is deeply intertwined with mental health, and for many individuals, recovery requires support from a professional who can address both at once. That’s where addiction psychiatrists come in.

Addiction psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating individuals with both substance use and mental health disorders. They offer a unique combination of skills that make them essential in managing the complex relationship between addiction and co-occurring psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.

In this blog, we’ll explore what addiction psychiatrists do, how they differ from other professionals in the field, and why their expertise is critical for long-term recovery.

What Is an Addiction Psychiatrist?

An addiction psychiatrist is a physician (MD or DO) who has completed specialized training in both general psychiatry and substance use disorders. After earning a medical degree, these professionals complete a four-year psychiatry residency followed by a fellowship in addiction psychiatry.

They are certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) and have a deep understanding of:

• The neurobiology of addiction

• The impact of substances on mood, behavior, and cognition

• The interplay between psychiatric and substance use disorders

• Medication management for both mental health and addiction

• Behavioral and psychotherapeutic interventions

Because they are licensed medical doctors, addiction psychiatrists can both prescribe medication and provide therapy, making them uniquely equipped to treat the full scope of addiction and mental illness.

The Link Between Addiction and Mental Health

Research shows that co-occurring mental health disorders are extremely common among people with substance use issues. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA):

• Nearly 50% of individuals with a substance use disorder also experience a mental illness at some point in their lives.

• Conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder frequently co-exist with addiction.

• Mental health disorders can both contribute to and result from substance use.

For example, a person with untreated anxiety may turn to alcohol for temporary relief, leading to dependence. Conversely, chronic substance use can trigger depressive episodes or increase the risk of suicide.

Addiction psychiatrists are specially trained to identify and manage these intertwined conditions, providing care that goes beyond treating symptoms to address underlying causes.

What Does an Addiction Psychiatrist Do?

Addiction psychiatrists serve a vital role in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings. Here’s a closer look at what they do:

1. Comprehensive Mental Health Evaluation

An addiction psychiatrist begins with a thorough psychiatric assessment, evaluating:

• History of substance use

• Mental health history (diagnoses, hospitalizations, medication use)

• Family psychiatric and addiction history

• Risk factors for relapse or self-harm

• Cognitive and behavioral symptoms

This evaluation is essential for developing an accurate diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan.

2. Diagnosis and Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders

Many individuals in recovery are struggling with undiagnosed or untreated psychiatric conditions. Addiction psychiatrists are experts at recognizing signs of:

• Major depressive disorder

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Bipolar disorder

• Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders

By diagnosing these issues early, psychiatrists help clients receive the treatment they need to reduce symptoms, improve mood stability, and strengthen recovery.

3. Medication Management

Unlike psychologists or counselors, psychiatrists can prescribe medications. This is particularly important in cases where pharmacological support is needed, such as:

• Antidepressants for depression or anxiety

• Mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder

• Antipsychotics for psychotic episodes

• Anti-craving medications like naltrexone or acamprosate

• Sleep aids during early recovery phases

Psychiatrists understand how medications interact with each other and with substances. They monitor for side effects, adjust dosages as needed, and ensure that prescriptions align with the client’s recovery goals.

4. Individual Therapy and Psychotherapy

While their medical expertise is paramount, addiction psychiatrists are also trained psychotherapists. Many offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, or trauma-informed therapy in one-on-one sessions.

This dual skillset means clients don’t have to choose between therapy and medication—they can receive both from one professional.

Why See an Addiction Psychiatrist?

Choosing to work with an addiction psychiatrist can significantly enhance a person’s recovery journey, especially if they:

• Have a history of depression, anxiety, or trauma

• Take psychiatric medications or need medication adjustments

• Experience suicidal ideation or self-harm

• Have failed previous treatment attempts

• Struggle with emotional regulation or mood swings

• Need a coordinated, medical approach to mental health and addiction

Addiction psychiatrists bring together the medical, psychological, and behavioral tools needed to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms of addiction.

Addiction Psychiatrists vs. Other Professionals

Let’s compare the roles of some common addiction treatment providers:

Addiction psychiatrists offer the most comprehensive medical-psychological approach to substance use disorders, especially when dual diagnosis is a concern.

Where Do Addiction Psychiatrists Work?

Addiction psychiatrists are found in a variety of clinical settings, including:

• Inpatient rehab centers

• Outpatient treatment programs (IOP)

• Private practice

• Hospitals and psychiatric units

• Correctional facilities

• Veteran’s Affairs (VA) clinics

• Academic and research institutions

At Nova Recovery Center, addiction psychiatrists are an integral part of our multidisciplinary team. Clients have access to psychiatric care throughout their treatment journey—from intake and detox through aftercare and alumni support.

Common Conditions Treated by Addiction Psychiatrists

Here are some examples of real-world scenarios that addiction psychiatrists manage:

1. Depression and Alcohol Dependence

A 32-year-old woman enters rehab for alcohol misuse and reveals symptoms of hopelessness, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. The addiction psychiatrist diagnoses major depression, prescribes an antidepressant, and provides weekly psychotherapy to address both issues simultaneously.

2. Bipolar Disorder and Cocaine Addiction

A 45-year-old man with a history of manic episodes struggles with chronic cocaine use. His psychiatrist prescribes a mood stabilizer and coordinates with his therapist to develop a relapse prevention plan that accounts for both triggers and mood shifts.

3. PTSD and Opioid Use Disorder

A combat veteran with PTSD has become addicted to prescription opioids. The psychiatrist prescribes buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone) for opioid dependence and prazosin for nightmares, integrating trauma-focused therapy as part of his care.

How to Find a Qualified Addiction Psychiatrist

If you’re considering working with an addiction psychiatrist, look for someone who:

• Is board-certified in psychiatry and addiction psychiatry

• Has experience with your specific addiction or co-occurring condition

• Accepts your insurance or offers a payment plan

• Works in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team

• Takes a compassionate, evidence-based approach to care

Ask your primary care provider, therapist, or rehab program for referrals. Many top treatment centers include psychiatrists as part of their staff, ensuring continuity of care.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Integrated Care

Addiction recovery is not one-dimensional. It involves healing the body, mind, and emotions. Addiction psychiatrists are uniquely trained to support all of these aspects, making them invaluable to individuals with complex recovery needs.

Whether you’re just beginning treatment or continuing aftercare, working with an addiction psychiatrist ensures that you have expert support for every facet of your recovery—including mental health. They help restore balance, provide clarity, and give you the tools to build a healthier life.

Need Help With Co-Occurring Conditions?

At Nova Recovery Center, our treatment team includes licensed addiction psychiatrists who work closely with clients through every step of their recovery journey. From accurate diagnosis to personalized medication management and therapy, we’re here to support lasting healing