David Smith, MD
Addiction Medicine Physician
Dr. David E. Smith is recognized as a national leader in the treatment of addictive disease, the psychopharmacology of drugs, new research strategies in the management of drug abuse problems, and appropriate prescribing practices for physicians. He teaches that addiction is a primary medical illness that is best treated in a multidisciplinary fashion, utilizing the group process, individual psychotherapy, and 12-Step programs of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Cocaine Anonymous.
Dr. Smith founded the Haight Ashbury Free Clinics in 1967, inaugurating the principle of “Health Care is a Right, not a Privilege.” He is a Fellow and former President of The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). He lectures extensively and is the author/co-author of more than 350 professional articles and books, including “Unchain Your Brain: 10 Steps to Breaking the Addictions that Steal Your Life,” with Dr. Daniel Amen.
Dr. Smith has more than 45 years of experience treating addiction as a medical disease. At Alta Mira, he lectures to our clients on the neurobiological aspects of addiction, treating addiction as a brain disease, and the medical management of psychoactive drug dependence, including cocaine, alcohol, and prescription drugs.
