Addiction medicine is an important subspecialty within general practice, addressing the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of substance use disorders (SUDs). With addiction increasingly recognised as a chronic medical condition—akin to diabetes or hypertension—general practitioners (GPs) are uniquely positioned to intervene early, deliver effective care, and support a sustained recovery.
The Role of General Practice in Addiction Care
GP is often the first point of contact for individuals with substance use issues. GPs maintain longstanding relationships with patients, enabling them to detect early signs of addiction, initiate brief interventions, and refer on to appropriate specialist services and psychotherapy. Despite this, many GPs feel underprepared to manage addiction due to limited training and systemic stigma.
Early Intervention
Early identification and intervention are key to preventing the escalation of substance use into chronic addiction. Evidence-based tools incorporated into the consultation empower GPs to engage patients in meaningful conversations about substance use and guide them toward appropriate care pathways.
Effective Treatment Strategies
Modern addiction medicine offers a range of highly effective treatments:
- Pharmacotherapy: Medications like buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone are proven to reduce cravings and prevent relapse in opioid and alcohol use disorders
- Behavioural Therapies: Motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care and referral to evidence-based psychotherapy and counselling can address the psychological root causes of addiction
- Referral Pathways: An understanding of the local services available in your city/county ways to access quickly, improves chances of sustained recovery for patients and supports you in your practice
Programme Director - Dr Bernard Kenny
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