Addiction Psychiatry Division
We are dedicated to excellence in patient care, groundbreaking research, and the education of future addiction psychiatry and addiction medicine specialists. By integrating clinical expertise with scientific innovation and research, we deliver the highest quality care across a range of substance use disorders, behavioral addictions (gambling, gaming, pornography, internet, social media and AI use disorders), and various patient populations.
Patient Care
We offer the latest treatments and therapies to treat addiction and work closely with patients to understand their experiences and provide treatments to help them rebuild their lives. Our treatment modalities include individual and family psychotherapy, support groups, medications such as buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) and naltrexone (Vivitrol and ReVia) to treat substance use disorders, medications including antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and naltrexone to treat behavioral addiction, and coordinated care with primary care providers. We treat both substance use addictions (e.g., alcohol, marijuana, hallucinogenic drugs, inhaled substances, medications, stimulants, tobacco) and behavioral addictions (e.g., gambling, sex, gaming/internet, day-trading).
Research
We are developing innovative pharmacotherapies and neuromodulation therapeutics for addiction treatment with ongoing, multidisciplinary collaborations: Advanced Imaging Research Center, interventional psychiatry, neuroradiology, neurosurgery, cardiology, GI/Liver, endocrinology, and more. We are a regional hub for the National Institute on Drug Abuse clinical trial network (CTN), e.g., Accelerated Development of Additive Pharmacotherapy Treatment (ADAPT-2) for methamphetamine use disorder (buprenorphine and naltrexone) and are co-developing community-level interventions with multiple partners across North Texas.
Faculty
Our division faculty are experts in all aspects of substance use disorders and treatments. They provide exceptional patient care, lead innovative research, and mentor future physicians. Their dedication ensures patients receive compassionate care while trainees benefit from exceptional education and guidance. Our faculty are passionate about teaching and mentoring. Our growing department reflects investment by UT Southwestern in the future of psychiatry with exciting new educational and clinical opportunities for learners and faculty through the Texas Behavioral Health Center.
Education & Training
Our addiction psychiatry fellowship is the 2nd largest in the U.S. with an enriching educational experience that provides 5 fellows each year the opportunity to become ABPN-certified in addiction psychiatry. Our new addiction medicine fellowship with 2 annual fellows begins in 2027. We also offer fellowship training for advanced practice providers in psychiatry and addiction medicine. Our diverse training experiences include adult, adolescent, and family approaches to treatment. Our trainees receive mentorship in research methodology, helping to translate discoveries into improved patient outcomes.
Feature Stories
GLP-1s: Potentially a New Direction in Addiction Care
“The question isn't just whether someone is using less methamphetamine or other substances, it's whether their life is improving... Our focus on the diagnostic criteria and the real-world impact of GLP-1s is ultimately what defines meaningful clinical benefit.”
Patricia and William L. Watson Jr., M.D. Award for Excellence in Clinical Medicine
“When I joined UT Southwestern in 2003, I felt deeply honored to become part of such an esteemed faculty and peer group. Over the years, my interactions with colleagues, students, and trainees have reinforced my sense of belonging to a community of outstanding caregivers. However, it is my interactions with patients that have had the most profound impact on me.”
Contact Us
Division of Addiction Psychiatry
UT Southwestern Medical Center
5323 Harry Hines Blvd
Dallas, TX, 75390-9070