Can a neurologist treat addiction or withdrawal?

[MysteryDiagnosis]

Since addiction is neurobiologically based, can a neurologist treat it?

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[Save a life]

Most the time it's a psychiatrist but it can also be a pain specialist or a family doc. Never heard of a neurologist prescribing for withdrawal but I'm sure it happens.

 

[typhoonegator]

Sure, I use phenobarb tapers for alcohol withdrawal all the time! Works great and clouds the exam less than Librium or Ativan.

And dexmedetomidine/propofol takes the edge off for acute heroin or benzo withdrawal as well.

And smokers get a patch, intubated or not. Tobacco withdrawal might worsen vasospasm.