What we did at Le Mont with regard to Addiction Medicine Specialists: We asked our residents to choose and develop a relationship with a local Addiction Medicine physician - to have an initial visit with that doctor, and preferably follow up with them at least every other month. For those residents on medication, it is optimal for that person to see their Addiction Medicine physician on a monthly basis. If any medical problems came up during their stay at Le Mont, that resident had a physician who was familiar with their history and could meet their primary care needs in the context of their sobriety.

Many people in recovery are wary of doctors because of past mistreatment. They often avoid doctors out of fear that they will be prescribed controlled substances without regard for their recovery, putting their sobriety at risk. This is unfortunate because recovering people can miss out on important preventive health measures and evaluation of other medical problems that often accompany substance use disorder. Addiction Medicine Specialists know how to meet the needs of patients in recovery. They also LIKE taking care of people in recovery, and can manage problems common to early sobriety with compassion and skill. Developing a trusting relationship with a knowledgeable, empathic physician can be a strong resilience factor in establishing and maintaining sobriety.