Alcoholism and Substance Abuse: Clinical Experience in Diagnosis and Treatment

This elective offers the opportunity to gain clinical experience in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of patients dependent on alcohol and other addictive substances such as amphetamines, cocaine and heroin. Also reviewed are addictions on prescription drugs and the role of physicians preventing these disorders. Key references on the neurobiology, genetics and behavioral aspects of addictive disorders are also reviewed. Experience providing detoxification from the various addicting drugs within the clinical setting is also an important part of this elective. A three-week rotation is offered at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. Prerequisites: clerkships in psychiatry, medicine and surgery.