Drug Abuse and Dependence
When to Call a Doctor
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you or someone else:
- Has
Reference overdosed Opens New Window or has
Reference withdrawal signs Opens New Window. Be sure to tell the emergency
workers that you are or someone else is using or trying to quit using drugs.
Overdose or withdrawal signs may include:
- Reference Seizure Opens New Window.
- Seeing or hearing things that aren't there (Reference hallucinations Opens New Window).
Call your doctor if:
- You think you have a problem with drugs.
- You are having withdrawal symptoms. These may include nausea or vomiting, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety.
Who can treat a drug problem?
Health professionals who can diagnose, prescribe medicine for, and treat drug abuse problems include:
- Reference General practitioners Opens New Window.
- Reference Psychiatrists Opens New Window.
- Reference Physician assistants Opens New Window.
- Reference Nurse practitioners Opens New Window.
- Reference Psychologists Opens New Window and drug counselors. These professionals cannot prescribe medicine.
Counseling usually is part of treatment. This can be done by:
- Reference Psychiatrists Opens New Window.
- Reference Psychologists Opens New Window.
- Reference Social workers Opens New Window.
- Reference Licensed mental health counselors Opens New Window.
Watchful waiting
Watchful waiting is a wait-and-see approach. If you get better on your own, you won't need treatment. If you get worse, you and your doctor will decide what to do next.
Watchful waiting is not a good choice for drug abuse and dependence. If you have a drug problem, or if you believe that your health or other areas of your life are being affected by drugs, you need to take steps to stop using drugs.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference January 5, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Peter Monti, PhD - Alcohol and Addiction |
|
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
