Psychiatrists and the Treatment of Addictions: Perceptions and Practices

4,657 out of a total APA membership of 28,000 expressed a particular interest in alcoholism and substance abuse. 1,705 of these responded to a questionnaire studying their attitudes and practices. Most of these do part-time work in the field with 9.9% being subspecialists. Self-report responses indicated that psychiatrists have incorporated a disease concept, abstinence orientation, utilized AA, education, supportive therapy, and a range of other modalities, think of addictions as treatable psychiatric disorders, and very infrequently use maintenance minor tranquilizers. Most became interested because of community need. However, 41.4% had a training experience including 36.1% who had a rotation on a substance abuse service. Psychiatrists are becoming aware that substance use disorders are an important component of psychiatry, and they are growing more assertive about their role in it.