Addictionology

Over 40 million Americans (over the age of 12) meet the clinical criteria for addiction. That is more than the number of people with heart conditions, diabetes or cancer.


There have long been misunderstandings about the nature of addiction, seen by some as a moral weakness or a character flaw. However, addiction is a brain disease, a chronic medical condition and must be treated with the same medical and ethical standards as any other disease, such as cancer or heart disease for example. We now know that there is a neurobiological basis for substance use disorders with potential for both recovery and recurrence. Compassion and care.


Recently, the ABAM (American Board of Addiction Medication), announced a major milestone in the integration of the field of Addiction Medicine into routine medical practice by offering medical doctors who have expertise and experience in prevention, evaluation, and diagnosis the opportunity to become certified in the subspecialty of Addiction Medicine. This added credential assures that the physician has met the highest standards in the field.

Written by Eric Niccole

Posted on July 17, 2016

Our Board Certified Addictionologists are a key member to of the patient’s healthcare team. They are specially trained in a wide range of prevention, evaluation and treatment modalities within a bio-psycho-social framework. They can recognize and treat the psychology and physical complications of addiction.


In order for the addictionologist to better care for each patient’s complex medical and psychological needs, they must first develop an understanding of the unique cultural values and psychological and behavioral health needs. Conversely, the addictionologist will further educate the patient on the disease of addiction, including the role that genetics plays.

Addiction specialists are addiction medicine physicians and addiction psychiatrists who hold either a board certification in addiction medicine from the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM)

Our integrated program allows the addictionologist to coordinate the various disciplines into one cohesive patient-specific plan, offering a seamless, compassionate, and comprehensive approach to both the psychological and physical components to insure that patients receive the highest standards of care possible.


Upon completion of a thorough patient evaluation, the addictionologist may call upon case-specific medications. “Medication-Assisted Treatment” or “MAT”, have been shown to be highly effective in the treatment of both opioid and alcohol addiction. We know that addiction is a habitual psychological and physiological dependence on a substance or practice beyond one’s voluntary control. Fortunately, like other chronic diseases, opioid addiction can be prevented and the millions of Americans now suffering from this disease can be treated. Treatment often requires multiple overlapping therapies that may include medication.


Pharmacotherapies, when physician prescribed and clinician administered, decrease the frequency and quantity of drug use, withdrawal and craving, infectious diseases, criminal behavior and overdose, and to improve social functioning.

Opioid addiction can be life threatening and an addicted patient's failure over an extended period of time to obtain a medically necessary medication due to preauthorization and other requirements may lead to treatment drop out or overdose.


FDA-approved medications as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT).Currently there are three medications approved and indicated for the treatment of opioid dependence: methadone, buprenorphine/naloxone, and extended-release injectable naltrexone.


Methadone is a long acting opioid drug that prevents opioid withdrawal symptoms and eases cravings but does not provide euphoria. It is the most effective known treatment for narcotic addiction and can be tapered off over time.


Buprenorphine alone (Subutex) is used for acute opioid addiction or Buprenorphine plus Naloxone (Subutex) is a newer drug that helps prevent misuse os Subutex and to treat acute opiod withdrwawal.


Clonadine reduces the “fight or flight” response


Buprenorphine is a partial antagonist combined with Suboxone to deter drug abuse.


Naltrexone is used primarily for alcohol dependence


Vivitrol is a long-acting injectable form of Naltrrexone for alcohol dependence or prevention of opiod relapse

Our Board Certified Addictionologists are a key member to of the patient’s healthcare team. They are specially trained in a wide range of prevention, evaluation and treatment modalities within a bio-psycho-social framework.

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At our beautiful institute in Newport Beach, California, The Landon Institute provides nationally recognized evidence-based outpatient treatment programs for addiction, rehabilitation, and recovery. Our Board Certified Physicians are extensively experienced in addiction recovery and rehabilitation. We believe in a comprehensive, whole-recovery approach to overcoming chemical and/or alcohol dependency that focuses on all three factors of health that addiction affects: physical, mental and emotional health.

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