Drug Abuse Center - Charleston, WVCharleston Psychiatrist Doctors for Drug AbuseType of Physician: Psychiatrist What is a Psychiatrist? A certification by the Board of Psychiatry & Neurology; practitioners are skilled in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental, addictive and emotional disorders. He or she is trained to understand the biological, psychological and social components of illness and is qualified to order diagnostic laboratory tests and to prescribe medications, as well as to evaluate and treat psychological and interpersonal problems. The psychiatrist is also prepared to intervene with individuals and families who are coping with stress, crises, and other problems in living. Specialty: Psychiatry Common Name: Psychiatrist Doctors in Charleston * Charleston Psychiatric Group  Lerfald & Kelly MDs  Lerfald & Kelly MDs  Highland Behavioral Health Services  Family Psychiatric Services  Highland Behavioral Health Services  Highland Behavioral Health Services  WVU Physicians of Charleston  WVU Physicians of Charleston  WVU Physicians of Charleston  Highland Behavioral Health Services  Highland Behavioral Health Services  David J Humphreys MD  Elma Z Bernardo MD  PsyCare  PsyCare  Center for Alternative Medicine  Highland Behavioral Health Services  Highland Behavioral Health Services  United Health Professionals Inc  Prestera Center Mental Health Services  Prestera Center Mental Health Services  Raleigh Psychiatric Services Inc  Raleigh Psychiatric Services Inc  Appalachian Psychiatric Services  Appalachian Psychiatric Services  University Psychiatric Associates  Rashmi Kumar MD  University Psychiatric Associates  University Psychiatric Associates  Kenneth M Fink MD  Area Psychiatric & Psychotherapy Group  Prestera Center Mental Health Services  Huntington VA Medical Center  Mingo Area Mental Health  Counseling & Wellness Center PLLC  Counseling & Wellness Center PLLC  Worthington Center Inc  Mario R Schwabe MD  Worthington Center Inc  New Hope Psychiatric Assoc  Southern Highlands Community Mental Health Center  William R Sharpe Jr Hospital  William R Sharpe Jr Hospital  William R Sharpe Jr Hospital  William R Sharpe Jr Hospital  William R Sharpe Jr Hospital  William R Sharpe Jr Hospital Charleston, West VirginiaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-02
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Drug AbuseWhat is drug addiction?Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences to the individual who is addicted and to those around them. Drug addiction is a brain disease because the abuse of drugs leads to changes in the structure and function of the brain. Although it is true that for most people the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary, over time the changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can affect a person's self control and ability to make sound decisions, and at the same time send intense impulses to take drugs. It is because of these changes in the brain that it is so challenging for a person who is addicted to stop abusing drugs. Fortunately, there are treatments that help people to counteract addiction's powerful disruptive effects and regain control. Research shows that combining addiction treatment medications, if available, with behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure success for most patients. Treatment approaches that are tailored to each patient's drug abuse patterns and any co-occurring medical, psychiatric, and social problems can lead to sustained recovery and a life without drug abuse. Similar to other chronic, relapsing diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, or
heart disease, drug addiction can be managed successfully. And, as with other
chronic diseases, it is not uncommon for a person to relapse and begin abusing
drugs again. Relapse, however, does not signal
What happens to your brain when you take drugs?Drugs are chemicals that tap into the brain's communication system and disrupt the way nerve cells normally send, receive, and process information. There are at le... Recommended Reading Related to Drug AbuseLeishmaniasis facts
Other Related Drug Abuse ArticlesEmergency Contact for Charleston
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Suggested Reading on Drug Abuse by Our Doctors
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Hepatitis C
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