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The wider aspects of Addictions involve the Faculty in a broad
dialogue with Government departments, legislators, voluntary sector
bodies and the media, about issues as diverse as licensing and
availability of drugs and alcohol, or the diversion of drug-related
offenders from prisons. The Faculty is also committed to education
and training, setting clearly defined standards for future
addiction specialists, influencing the training of medical students
and other doctors. The aim is to promote skilled high-quality care
for our patients, and to improve their resources within the
healthcare system.
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Elevator Pitch
Through broad consultation among its members, the Faculty has
developed the following brief description of the role of an
Addictions Psychiatrist.
“We are medical doctors who have completed extensive training in
psychiatry (including the use of mental health legislation) and
addiction. In combining these skills, we have unique
expertise in the management of addiction problems in complex cases,
particularly co-morbid mental health problems.
Our extensive knowledge extends to all aspects of addiction
including individual brain mechanisms, behaviour, and its overall
effect on the family, society and the economy. Combined with
excellent communication skills, this enables us to offer a holistic
approach that considers how biological, psychological and social
factors impact on a person’s life and recovery journey.
We are the clinical lead for addiction teams and bear the
ultimate clinical responsibility for the people we see. Our
training has prepared us for formal leadership roles enabling us to
take on senior management positions within addiction teams, and to
provide consultation on issues of service development, clinical
governance, commissioning, public health, interpretation of
research findings, training and evidence based practice.”
Faculty Reports and Submissions
Current projects
Faculty Patients and Carers
Forum
The Addictions Faculty Patients and Carers Forum aims to ensure
that the Executive Committee takes account of patients’ and carers’
views. It meets four times a year in advance of Executive Committee
meetings to discuss relevant aspects of the Executive’s
work. It also undertakes projects of its own from time to time
including:
How to join
Anyone wishing to join the Addictions Faculty should contact the
College Membership
Section.
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