Understanding addiction as a psychiatric condition
Addiction is a chronic, relapsing condition characterised by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences. It involves changes in brain reward, stress, and self-control circuits. Addiction is not a moral failing — it is a medical condition that responds to evidence-based treatment.
Many people with addiction also have co-occurring mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD). Treating only the addiction without addressing the underlying mental health condition — or vice versa — often leads to poor outcomes. Dr. Shrestha provides psychiatric assessment to identify co-occurring conditions and coordinate appropriate treatment.
- Addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failing
- Co-occurring mental health conditions are common (up to 50%)
- Treating both conditions simultaneously improves outcomes
- Psychiatric assessment identifies depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD
- Medication-assisted treatment may be appropriate for certain substances
Related: Psychiatry → · Dr. Jitendra Knowledge Hub → · ICHD-3 Topic →
Psychiatric evaluation for addiction
Dr. Shrestha’s evaluation for addiction includes detailed substance use history (type of substance, frequency, quantity, duration, previous attempts to stop), assessment of withdrawal risk, screening for co-occurring mental health conditions, medical history review, and psychosocial assessment. This evaluation helps determine whether psychiatric treatment (medication, psychotherapy) would benefit alongside addiction treatment.
For some substances, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, improving engagement with rehabilitation. For co-occurring depression or anxiety, treating these conditions can reduce the likelihood of relapse. Dr. Shrestha provides psychiatric prescriptions and coordinates with addiction medicine and rehabilitation services where needed.
| Substance | Common co-occurring conditions | Psychiatric role |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Depression, anxiety, liver disease considerations | Medication for mood, withdrawal risk assessment |
| Cannabis | Anxiety, psychosis, motivation concerns | Anxiety management, psychosis screening |
| Opioids | Depression, PTSD, chronic pain | Co-occurring mood/trauma treatment |
| Stimulants | Depression, anxiety, sleep disruption | Mood stabilisation, sleep management |
Working with addiction services
Dr. Shrestha works collaboratively with addiction medicine specialists, rehabilitation centres, and counselling services to provide coordinated care. Her role focuses on psychiatric assessment, medication management for co-occurring conditions, and psychotherapy (CBT) to develop coping skills and prevent relapse.
If you are seeking help for addiction, bring information about your substance use (type, frequency, duration), any previous treatment or rehabilitation attempts, current medications, and any mental health concerns. This information helps create a comprehensive treatment plan.
- Bring substance use history (type, frequency, duration, previous treatment)
- List any current medications and health conditions
- Note any mental health concerns (mood, sleep, anxiety)
- Coordinated care with addiction services and rehabilitation
- Ongoing psychiatric support for co-occurring conditions