Jason Z.W. Powers, M.D., CERTIFIED BY NEW ADDICTION MEDICINE BOARD
American Board of Addiction Medicine to Address Significant, Unmet Need
Chevy Chase, Maryland - May 18, 2009 - Chevy Chase, Maryland - May 18, 2009 - Jason Powers, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Spirit Lodge and The Right Step, is among the first physicians in the United States certified by the American Board of Addiction Medicine, a new independent medical specialty board. The American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM) has begun to certify addiction medicine physicians from several specialties, including Addictionology. There was previously only addiction-related board certification for psychiatrists. ABAM sets standards for physician education, assesses physicians' knowledge, and requires and tracks life-long continuing education.
Many individuals struggling with addiction fear the traumatic withdrawal process. Through the use of such state-of-the-art medications as Suboxone and Campral, medical staff can help curb the discomfort of initial withdrawal from drugs and alcohol, as well as decrease ongoing cravings.
"We want addiction prevention, screening, intervention and treatment to become routine aspects of medical care, available virtually any place health care is provided," said Kevin B. Kunz, MD, President of the American Board of Addiction Medicine.
Although one in five Americans entering the health care system has a substance abuse problem, there has never been a medical specialty, drawn from all areas of medicine, dedicated to treating addiction. Now, patients have somewhere to turn for specialized medical care for substance use disorders related to alcohol, tobacco and other addicting drugs, including some prescription medications.
"Physicians are often at a loss for what to do about substance use and addiction issues, and may even misdiagnose the problem," said Kevin B. Kunz, MD, President of the American Board of Addiction Medicine. "We hope to change this by creating a cadre of thousands of specialized physicians across medical specialties."
Studies show that fewer than one in five physicians consider themselves adequately prepared to diagnose alcoholism or other drug use disorders. Physician training is sorely lacking. Separate courses in Addiction Medicine are rarely taught in medical school, and there are no Addiction Medicine residencies among the 8,200 ACGME-accredited residency programs in the nation's hospitals.
Read the official press release of the ABAM (American Board of Addiction Medicine) certification awarded to Jason Powers, M.D., Spirit Lodge Chief Medical Officer.
Find out more about the American Board of Addiction Medicine.
