Am J Psychiatry 1996; 153:852-853
Copyright © 1996 by American Psychiatric Association
Position statement on training needs in addiction psychiatry
Psychiatry has only recently developed training in the area of
substance-related disorders. Nevertheless, these illnesses are highly
prevalent and are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality.
Patients with these disorders often do not encounter or have access to
effective treatment. Because of this, the American Psychiatric Association
recommends developing improved training to assure that 1) the basic
psychiatric residency addresses essential aspects of addiction prevention
and treatment, 2) addiction psychiatry fellowships are strengthened to
provide needed manpower for consultation, academic teaching, and research,
and 3) psychiatrists are trained to provide leadership for the
multidisciplinary teams characteristic of this field. This statement was
drafted by the Committee on Training and Education in Addiction Psychiatry.
It was approved by the APA Assembly in November 1995 and by the Board of
Trustees in December 1995.
