addictionologists

Addictionologists are clinicians who specialize in the medical care of people with addiction, including substance use disorders and certain behavioral addictions. They focus on evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, with an emphasis on integrated medical and psychosocial care. Practice settings include hospitals, primary care clinics, residential or outpatient treatment programs, and academic or research centers.

Training typically begins with a medical degree and residency in a primary specialty such as internal medicine, psychiatry, family medicine, or neurology, followed by fellowship training in addiction medicine or addiction psychiatry. Many addictionologists pursue board certification or credentialing through professional organizations that recognize addiction medicine as a subspecialty. Core competencies include detoxification and withdrawal management, pharmacotherapy for addictions (for example, opioid, alcohol, or nicotine use disorders), management of co-occurring mental and physical health conditions, risk assessment, and relapse prevention, as well as implementing evidence-based psychotherapy and behavioral therapies. They often work in multidisciplinary teams, coordinating care with counselors, social workers, pharmacists, and primary care providers.

Addictionology as a term is used variably in different regions; in many places, the field is referred to as addiction medicine or addiction psychiatry, with training and credentials varying by country. In essence, addictionologists aim to reduce health risks and support recovery by integrating medical treatment with behavioral and social support, while advancing prevention and access to evidence-based care.