eyemitalian0312

Not looking for medical advice but merely a suggestion. I am a chronic alcohol relapser and don't know of any inner problems I need to figure out. (As I said, know of!!). But it has been suggested by some in the medical field I see a psychicatrist, yet by others a psychologist. What is the main difference?

Freedom1990

A psychiatrist can prescribe medications. A psychologist can't. I see a psychiatrist at my local mental health center for med evals every 2-3 months, but for my counseling, I see a licensed counselor. I was seeing a psychologist for the counseling, but he was promoted and no longer counsels.

I'd suggest finding someone specializing in alcoholism/addictions, whether it's psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor.

sailorjohn

Biggest one I can think of, shrinks can write prescriptions, psychologists cannot.

Just a thought, solve all of your issues and you will still have a drinking problem.
Not suggesting therapy isn't a good thing, but at the end of the day, you will still be an alcoholic. I always quote Toby Rice Drews on this end, she makes the statement, not an exact quote, that many do find the answers to all of their 'issues' in therapy but they still die from the disease of alcoholism.

In any event, hope the professionals can help you with your relapses.

ashleek

I see an addiction counselor. Maybe that would be better for you. My addiction counselor is a recovering addict himself so we relate in a lot of ways. Everyone here is right the psychiatrist is a MD and can write meds, psychologist can't write meds. A psychologist and a counselor are a lot of differences but I find counselors to be more down the earth. That's just my opinion take it with a grain of salt!!

Texasblind

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor and can prescribe, a psychologist is usually an MA or PhD level therapist and usually has an advanced license from the state. They usually cannot prescribe.

A psychiatrist will have been trained more about the physiology of addiction, whereas a psychologist will have been trained more in the emotional health and recovery of an addict.

Both have their positives and negatives. A psychologist is the way to go if you are having general emotional and mental issues that are affecting your recovery. A psychiatrist is the way to go if you have been medically dual-diagnosed. Like physical addiction + a recognized mental illness (PTSD, bi-polar, etc...)

Latte

Often you can find a medical facility that has all of these people working in the same offices/group.

Often what I do is see a counselor who then refers me to someone if they feel I need to be medicated.

trapeze

Here's what I've learned recently.

There are medications which can be prescribed for those who chronically relapse in order to control the impulse to drink. I know nothing more about this. This requires a doctor, such as as psychiatrist.

There's a school of thought that some underlying issues encourage drinking, such as anxiety disorder, and medication can help with that. Again, psychiatrist.

There's also a school of thought that psychotherapy relating to underlying issues is of limited use until the brain clears up some in sobriety.

And then there are counselors like what Ashleek describe.

I'm not giving editorial comment on any of this, just passing along information I've picked up in the past few weeks.

littlefish

Sailorjohn, I would like to point out that lots of people, like me, go to a therapist with the goal of staying sober and as others have pointed out there are now therapists who specialize in alcohol and drug addiction. (Mine is one of those)
The primary "issue" I discuss in therapy is my alcoholism. I discuss other things too, my marriage, my kids, my alcoholic brothers, but we discuss everything in relation to my primary problem of alcoholism.

joedris

If you're a chronic relapser then your major issue is alcoholism, not some deep seated internal thing that's making you relapse. Drinking makes you relapse. Having said that, you need to recognize that the last step in the relapse process is picking up the drink. An extensive mental process takes place well before that. Recognizing that process is a major step in relapse prevention. You may want to pick an excellent book about relapse Staying Sober by Terence Gorski and Merlene Miller. Gorski is the man to go to when talking relapse.

Everyone before me has told you the difference between a shrink and a psychologist. Very few shrinks do any sort of therapy, they just push pills. As to a psychologist vs. a counselor, I'd suggest the counselor route. Just make certain they're experienced in dealing with alcoholics.

I'd also suggest you try AA if you haven't already done so. A recovery program used in conjunction with counseling would really boost your chances of staying sober.

IO Storm

I agree with Sailor one hundred per cent here.

I have a dual diagnosis...alcoholic, pillhead (recovered)..and am biplolar.

True...my psychiatrist said that most likely I self medicated the undiagnosed bipolar

for years by drinking and/or using, but the alcoholism would have killed me if I had

continued on that path. I was treating the symptoms..not the possible cause for

a long, long time.

I don't go to therapy...but it is great.

I go to AA...and take the 12 Steps..I have a sponsor I talk to about my innermost

and troubling problems. Meetings as well..

So far it is working for me...I have been sober and clean for over 3 years now.

Best wishes from me for your peace of mind and recovery!
But

Mattcake

Both are mental health professionals.

Psychiatrists are doctors who specialise in mental health.

Psychologists (along with counselors) approach mental health from an academic/theoretical perspective.

Both can be helpful when it comes to addiction. If I had to choose, I'd personally prefer to see a psychologist as, in my experience and depending on their school of thought, they have a more complete understanding of the human psyche. Psychiatrists tend to have a more mechanical view of addiction (although there are exceptions ) In practice, I see both, as I take medication etc under a psychiatrist's supervision.

Anna

I hope you find a 'fit' for yourself with either a psychologist or psychiatrist.

It's great that you are seeking help, and I definitely believe that we have to deal with the underlying issues that caused our addiction.

ElegantlyWasted

Ditto that to finding a specialist in alchol and addiction. There are some great screening tests that can help get you the right treatment. Take either over a
straight up general practice MD. Just my 2 cents...

sfgirl

I have a great psychiatrist and a great therapist (PhD)

People here have already explained the difference very well. I agree with SailorJohn that erasing your issues is not going to take away your alcoholism. They are two separate things— however, they are very closely related and one can greatly affect the other. So that is not to say get into therapy and only talk about alcoholism but at the same time don't get in there and talk about social issues or your mother and expect your drinking to naturally slow down.

A psychiatrist can prescribe you medicine to reduce cravings and to minimize how much you drink at relapses— look up Naltrexone and Campral. There are also other options and dealing with anxiety, etc can greatly help you. Here is the website of psychiatrists specializing in addictions so you can find one in your area:

American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry

I found my therapist through referral through my psychiatrist. No matter where you find your therapist I think it is important that you make sure like others have said they are skilled in working with alcoholics.

Here is the national org for addiction counselors:
NAADAC

Antone

You've probably gotten this answer already but a psychiatrist is mostly there to prescribe drugs. He'll listen to your story but mainly to decide on the right medication. A psychologist will provide you with the opportunity to verbally process your issues.

psychiatrist: prescribe drugs

psychologist: talk therapy