PSY 408 - Addiction Psychiatry

The student will be exposed to Addiction Psychiatry, a branch of Psychiatry specializing in the treatment of addictive disorders, i.e., alcoholism and other psychoactive substance dependence. Many of the patients will also have a dual diagnosis. The students will participate as a member of a multidisciplinary team and work closely with the attending psychiatrist and other treatment team members. The rotation takes place in an intensive REHABILITATIVE RESIDENTIAL setting where patients reside for up to 120 days. This is an intensive and highly structured program, which operates on a “bio-psychosocial model” of treatment with a strong emphasis on the 12-Step recovery process. The program is headed by a psychiatrist and includes a program specialist, social worker, addiction therapists and other support personnel. Other treatment tracks include relapse prevention, aftercare, and family. The student will be expected to actively participate in program activities to include: (1) individual and group therapy; (2) community meetings; (3) family counseling; (4) didactic therapy; (5) physical, recreational and occupational therapy; (6) treatment planning; and (7) assessment triage. Students may also be exposed to subspecialty areas to include detoxification and inpatient psychiatric substance abuse education. Utilization of current literature and appropriate references is encouraged. Emphasis is placed on learning the biopsychosocial assessment and formulation, as well as in motivational intervening therapy.