Addiction medicine physicians and addiction psychiatrists are subspecialists dedicated to diagnosing and treating people living with substance use disorders (SUDs) and behavioral addictions. This field addresses dependencies on illicit drugs and alcohol, as well as impulse-control disorders involving gambling, sex, and food.
The relationship between substance use and mental disorders is complex and often interconnected. Many individuals with SUDs also face co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, and without treating the substance use disorder, their psychiatric disease is likely to progress.
People with mental illness are at a higher risk of developing an SUD compared to those without mental illness. Rates of co-occurring mental health and SUDs are indeed alarming. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 21.2 million adults in the United States had a co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder. At least one third of psychiatric inpatients have been found to have a substance use disorder across a wide range of surveys.
In this issue of the UICDR newsletter we highlight the work of UIC’s Addiction Psychiatry department, exploring their innovative research, and the vital role they play as front line providers meeting the needs of individuals facing substance use disorders, mental illness, and co-occurring addictive behaviors.
Misconceptions about SUDs and behavioral addictions
Addiction specialists diagnose and treat substance use disorders and help manage complications related to substance use.
For UIC’s Addiction Consult Team, under the UIC Psychiatry department, this begins with providing evidence-based, multidisciplinary and specialized treatment for individuals. This comprehensive approach addresses both the physical and psychological components of addiction to promote long-term recovery and enhanced quality of life. By addressing the underlying causes of addiction, treatment helps individuals reconnect with family, return to employment, and resume activities they previously enjoyed.
SUD is a complex condition that is often influenced by genetics, brain chemistry, trauma, environment and other factors.
“Almost every American uses drugs, but the consequences are different for different people, due to their genetic background, history of complex trauma, racism, or poverty. Moralizing about drug use has prevented us from engaging with it seriously and understanding the root causes of addiction, and how best to support those affected by it,” says Dr. Elisabeth Poorman, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry and Director, Addiction Consult Team at UIC and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center.
Raising awareness that substance use disorders are common and treatable brain-based medical conditions is critical to encourage recognition of early warning signs and help-seeking among individuals who are experiencing problems related to substance use , and essential for preventing the harmful outcomes related to untreated substance use disorders.
“On a broader level, raising awareness about substance use disorders reduces stigma, reduces the enormous economic and social burden of addiction-related consequences, supports family and caregivers who are often impacted by their loved one’s addiction, and promotes public health by reducing overdoses, accidents and injuries, infectious diseases, and legal problems,” says Dr. Natania Crane, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and the Associate Director of the UIC Recovery Clinic.
The future of Addiction Psychiatry
The field of addiction psychiatry continues to evolve, with its future shaped by a move towards more personalized and tech-driven care, encompassing digital tools to improve access and equity, especially in medically underserved areas.
This innovative and holistic approach is reflected in the treatment at the UIC Recovery Clinic. “The clinic approaches addiction as a medical and psychiatric condition, so we apply clinical, evidence-based, and holistic care that addresses biological, psychological, and social aspects of addiction. The clinic offers diagnostic evaluation, medication management, therapy, as well as care coordination, referrals, and long-term management,” says Dr. Crane.
It's this approach that distinguishes the UIC Addiction Psychiatry Department from others.
“We not only are leaders in research, clinical treatments, and education of health professionals in addiction, but in all of these areas we are quite comprehensive.
“In research, we have experts studying addiction across the spectrum, from the most basic molecular research to cutting edge real-world clinical trials. We are also one of the few departments in the country that have both an addiction psychiatry and addiction medicine fellowship. This brings together trainees and faculty members across disciplines with the goal of being ever better clinicians through collaborations and learning from one another and to provide trainees with a holistic understanding of addiction and its treatment,” says Dr. Christopher Holden, Director of Addiction Psychiatry.
“Moreover, our clinicians and researchers (not to mention our clinician researchers) come together through settings like our Addiction Affinity Group to further enhance the cross-pollination that helps our department thrive,” says Dr. Holden.
Click the following links to learn more about the UIC Addiction Psychiatry Department’s services, research, and faculty.