Advanced Training Curricula: Overview of specialty

Addiction medicine specialists seek to minimise the burden of harm caused by substance use and addictive behaviours in individuals, families, whānau, and the broader community. Addiction medicine specialists have expertise in the following areas:

Providing clinical treatment and care. Addiction medicine specialists have expertise in assessing people with substance use and addictive disorders, and the treatment and alleviation of these conditions, incorporating an understanding of both psychological aspects of addiction, and the frequent physical problems associated with addiction.

Management of acute substance withdrawal. Addiction medicine specialists will directly manage or advise other treating clinicians on how to manage substance withdrawal, including the most appropriate environment for the withdrawal, monitoring, medications, psychosocial supports, and linkages to aftercare.

Ongoing care planning for people with substance use or other addictive disorders. This involves a comprehensive assessment and negotiation with the patient regarding ongoing treatment, often involving multidisciplinary team care. The context of the care varies and includes inpatient, outpatient, community care units, and outreach.

Educating and supporting other health professionals in the management of substance use and addictive disorders. Addiction medicine specialists work with other treating clinicians (such as hospital-based or primary care) to help them provide the best care for their patients with substance use and other addictive disorders. Conditions include simple and complicated withdrawal syndromes, delirium, injection-related complications, co-occurring pain and substance use disorders, and blood borne virus infections.

Ensuring there are guidelines and pathways of care so high-quality evidence-based practice is provided in a range of settings, such as hospitals and primary care.

Advising policy makers and advocating for evidence-based strategies which reduce harms associated with substance use and addictive disorders.

Addiction medicine specialists respect patient autonomy, understand the drivers of addictive behaviours, and accept that for some people, recovery is a life-long endeavour. They provide patient-centred care with a focus on communication, respect, and advocacy, including:

Working as an integral member of multidisciplinary teams

Addiction medicine specialists may be called upon to be the team leader and collaborate in the development of treatment plans.
Providing holistic and respectful care of patients

Addiction medicine specialists are comfortable with addictions as complex health issues which are often the source of shame and stigma for patients and their families, whānau and/or carers.
Promotion of evidence-based policy

Addiction medicine specialists recognise that complex factors drive policy, and they advocate for evidence-based approaches to harm reduction relating to substance use, gambling, and gaming.
Application of a scholarly approach

Addiction medicine specialists use research and evidence in medical care and service development.
Providing culturally safe care to communities

Addiction medicine specialists work in a culturally safe way and actively work with them.