About Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy
When choosing an addiction doctor in Egypt, the choice shouldn’t rely on fame or promotional phrases alone, but on medical qualifications, clinical experience, specialization in psychiatry and addiction treatment, and the ability to deal with the physical, psychological and behavioral aspects of the case.
Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy is one of the doctors specialized in psychiatry and addiction treatment, with an academic and professional career that combines medical study, clinical training, and work inside hospitals and institutions specialized in mental health and addiction treatment.
Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy works with adults and adolescents, and takes part in assessing and treating cases of addiction and various psychological disorders, in addition to his work as medical director of the Riviera Addiction Treatment Center.
Who is Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy?
Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy is a doctor specialized in psychiatry and addiction treatment. He holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the Faculty of Medicine at Al-Azhar University, and a Master’s in Neurology, Psychiatry and Addiction Treatment from the Faculty of Medicine at Zagazig University.
He received clinical training in psychiatry and clinical psychotherapy at a number of Egyptian universities and medical institutions, including Al-Azhar University, Zagazig University, the General Secretariat of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment, and Egyptian Ministry of Health hospitals.
This career has allowed him to deal with various psychiatric and addiction cases, and to take part in setting treatment plans that take into account the nature of the substance used, the patient’s physical and psychological health, the degree of dependence on the drug, accompanying disorders, and the individual needs of each case.
The academic qualifications of Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy
The academic and professional qualifications of Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy include:
- Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the Faculty of Medicine at Al-Azhar University.
- Master’s in Neurology, Psychiatry and Addiction Treatment from the Faculty of Medicine at Zagazig University.
- Diploma in Quality and Hospital Management from October 6 University.
- Clinical training in psychiatry and clinical psychotherapy.
- Training in cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.
- Training in the use of motivational interviewing in psychotherapy and addiction treatment.
These varied qualifications help in combining medical and psychological assessment, understanding physical and behavioral symptoms, and taking part in managing integrated treatment programs within specialized institutions.
Clinical training
Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy received clinical training in psychiatry and psychotherapy through a number of academic and medical bodies, most notably:
- The Faculty of Medicine at Al-Azhar University.
- The Faculty of Medicine at Zagazig University.
- The General Secretariat of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment.
- Egyptian Ministry of Health hospitals.
- Hospitals and centers specialized in psychiatry and addiction treatment.
The training included dealing with various psychiatric and addiction cases, carrying out psychological assessment, following the response to treatment, recognizing risk factors, and taking part in choosing the appropriate interventions for each case.
The specialties of Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy
Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy works in assessing and treating psychological disorders and cases of addiction in adults and adolescents, and his areas of specialty include:
- Substance use and addiction disorders.
- Addiction to opioids and painkillers.
- Addiction to stimulants and sedatives.
- Addiction to hash and synthetic substances.
- Depressive disorders.
- Anxiety disorders.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Panic attacks.
- Personality disorders.
- Bipolar affective disorder.
- Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders.
- Psychological disorders accompanying addiction.
- Dual diagnosis cases.
- Psychological and behavioral problems in adolescents.
This list doesn’t mean that all cases receive the same treatment plan, as each patient needs an individual assessment before determining the diagnosis, the level of care and the appropriate interventions.
Addiction treatment in adults and adolescents
The needs of an adult patient differ from those of an adolescent, which is why the treatment plan must take into account the patient’s age, the nature of their personality, their stage of development, their relationship with their family, and the extent to which addiction affects their study or work and social life.
Treating addiction in adolescents in particular needs a greater degree of containment, while avoiding stigma or intimidation, and involving the family in a considered way that helps provide a safe and supportive environment for recovery.
Accompanying psychological disorders should also be assessed, because use may be linked to depression, anxiety, impulsivity or behavioral disorders, and ignoring these problems may increase the likelihood of returning to the drug.
Current professional experience
Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy holds a number of positions and takes part in providing specialized services in psychiatry and addiction treatment. His most prominent current experience includes:
- Specialist in psychiatry and addiction treatment at the General Secretariat of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment.
- Working in the harm reduction and opioid substitution treatment clinics of the General Secretariat of Mental Health.
- Working in the addiction treatment hotline clinics at the Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Hospital, under the supervision of the Fund for Drug Control and Treatment of Addiction.
- Working in the psychiatric clinics of the General Secretariat of Mental Health.
- Working in Al-Mashfa psychiatric clinics in Obour City.
- Medical director of the Riviera Addiction Treatment Center.
This experience shows the variety of work environments in which Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy has taken part, from psychiatric clinics and harm reduction programs to addiction treatment programs inside specialized institutions.
Previous professional experience
Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy has worked in a number of specialized hospitals and clinics, and gained experience in dealing with psychiatric emergencies, neurological disorders and addiction. His most prominent previous experience includes:
- Emergency doctor at Al-Azhar Hospital in New Damietta.
- Resident in psychiatry and neurology in the Department of Psychiatry at Al-Azhar University.
- Resident in psychiatry and neurology at El-Khanka Hospital for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment.
- Resident in psychiatry and neurology at Naqaa Hospital for Psychiatry and Addiction Treatment in Damietta.
- Working at Aalya Clinic for Psychiatry and Addiction Treatment in Sherbin, Dakahlia Governorate.
- Training at Agyad Hospital for Psychiatry and Addiction Treatment.
- Psychiatry specialist at Eshraq Hospital for Psychiatry and Addiction Treatment.
- Psychiatry specialist at Free Life Hospital for Psychiatry and Addiction Treatment.
Working in these institutions helped him gain practical experience in assessing cases, dealing with psychological crises, and following up addiction patients through the different stages of treatment.
Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy, medical director of the Riviera Addiction Treatment Center
Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy holds the role of medical director of the Riviera Addiction Treatment Center, and takes part in supervising the assessment of patients and determining their medical and psychological needs, and following the implementation of treatment plans in cooperation with the specialized team.
The duties of medical management inside the addiction treatment center include:
- Reviewing the medical and psychological assessment of the case.
- Determining the appropriate level of care.
- Following the detox stage when needed.
- Dealing with withdrawal symptoms and possible complications.
- Assessing the psychological disorders accompanying addiction.
- Following the patient’s response to the prescribed medicines.
- Coordinating between the members of the treatment team.
- Reviewing the treatment plan and adjusting it according to how the case develops.
- Setting a clear plan for discharge, follow-up and aftercare.
This supervision aims to ensure that treatment is provided within an organized medical framework, taking into account the patient’s safety, privacy and individual needs.
Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy’s approach to addiction treatment
Addiction treatment isn’t limited to stopping the drug or easing withdrawal symptoms, because dependence on drugs affects mental health, behavior, family relationships and the ability to study or work.
That is why integrated treatment relies on a set of stages, starting with medical and psychological assessment, then dealing with withdrawal when needed, treating accompanying disorders, and moving on to psychological and behavioral rehabilitation and relapse prevention.
Among the most important elements the treatment plan should include:
- Carrying out a comprehensive medical and psychological assessment.
- Determining the type of drug and the duration and amount of use.
- Assessing the severity of dependence and the expected withdrawal symptoms.
- Reviewing chronic illnesses and the medicines being used.
- Checking for accompanying psychological disorders.
- Determining the appropriate level of care for the case.
- Setting an individual treatment plan that can be followed.
- Involving the family when this is appropriate.
- Training the patient to face triggers.
- Preparing a plan for relapse prevention and aftercare.
Treating dual diagnosis cases
An addiction patient may suffer from an accompanying psychological disorder, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or personality disorders. These cases are known as dual diagnosis.
In these cases, treating the addiction alone isn’t enough, nor is treating the psychological symptoms while ignoring the use. The patient needs an integrated plan that deals with both problems at the same time, and takes into account the possible overlap between psychological symptoms, the effect of the drug and withdrawal symptoms.
Experience in psychiatry and addiction treatment is one of the important criteria when choosing an addiction doctor in Egypt, especially if the patient shows symptoms such as hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, bouts of agitation or severe mood swings.
Using cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing
Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy received training in cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and motivational interviewing, two of the methods used within programs for treating psychological disorders and addiction.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps the patient recognize the thoughts and situations that trigger use, understand the relationship between their thoughts, feelings and behaviors, and learn healthier ways of dealing with pressures and the craving for the drug.
Motivational interviewing, on the other hand, helps explore the patient’s hesitation toward treatment, and strengthen their inner motivation for change without threats or judgment. Using it is important with patients who are still not convinced that there is a problem or are afraid of starting treatment.
How to choose an addiction doctor in Egypt
Choosing an addiction doctor in Egypt doesn’t depend on the doctor’s name alone; a number of basic criteria should be assessed, including:
- Holding an accredited medical qualification.
- Specialization in psychiatry or addiction treatment.
- Clinical experience in dealing with addiction cases.
- The ability to assess accompanying psychological disorders.
- Carrying out a comprehensive assessment before prescribing medicines.
- Working within a multidisciplinary treatment team.
- Explaining the diagnosis and treatment plan to the patient and their family.
- Following the patient’s response and adjusting the plan when needed.
- Respecting privacy and keeping information confidential.
- Not making promises of a quick cure or guaranteed results.
- Providing a plan for relapse prevention and aftercare.
Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy meets these criteria, which is why he can be among the options when looking for a doctor specialized in psychiatry and addiction treatment in Egypt.
Why does addiction treatment need an integrated team?
Whichever addiction doctor you choose in Egypt, you shouldn’t rely on the doctor alone, because addiction treatment usually needs the cooperation of several specialties, such as:
- A doctor of psychiatry and addiction treatment.
- An internal medicine doctor when there are health problems.
- A psychologist.
- A behavioral therapist.
- The nursing team.
- A rehabilitation specialist.
- A family and social support specialist.
This cooperation ensures that the patient is dealt with comprehensively, from their physical and psychological safety to their rehabilitation and helping them build a stable life away from use.
When should you seek the help of an addiction doctor?
It is advisable to contact a specialist doctor when one or more of the following signs appear:
- Losing the ability to control use.
- Increasing the dose to get the same effect.
- Withdrawal symptoms appearing on stopping.
- Repeated attempts to stop without success.
- A decline in study or work.
- Family or financial problems appearing because of the drug.
- Severe changes in mood or behavior.
- Neglecting hygiene, health and responsibilities.
- Suffering an overdose.
- Hallucinations or suicidal thoughts appearing.
- Combining more than one drug.
- Using the drug with psychiatric medicines without medical supervision.
An overdose, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, seizures or suicidal thoughts need emergency intervention, and you shouldn’t wait to get a regular appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy a psychiatrist and addiction doctor?
Yes, Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery and a Master’s in Neurology, Psychiatry and Addiction Treatment, and has experience in hospitals and clinics specialized in mental health and addiction treatment.
Does Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy treat adults and adolescents?
His areas of work include assessing and treating psychological disorders and cases of addiction in adults and adolescents, with an individual assessment needed to determine the needs of each case.
Does he treat the psychological disorders that accompany addiction?
His experience includes dealing with cases of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, personality disorders, schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder, as well as cases of addiction and dual diagnosis.
Can addiction be treated with medicines only?
Medicine alone isn’t enough in most cases. Medicines may be used to deal with withdrawal or to treat an accompanying psychological disorder, but recovery also needs psychological and behavioral rehabilitation, family support and relapse prevention.
Can the treatment plan be determined through a phone call?
An initial assessment can be carried out by phone to gather some information and determine the next step, but diagnosis, prescribing medicines and choosing the program usually need a direct assessment and an appropriate medical and psychological examination.
How do I choose an addiction doctor in Egypt?
No single doctor suits all cases; an addiction doctor in Egypt can be chosen according to their qualifications and experience with the type of case, their ability to carry out a comprehensive assessment, working within an integrated treatment team, and providing a clear plan for follow-up and relapse prevention.
Get a specialist assessment with Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy
If you are looking for an addiction doctor in Egypt to help someone suffering from addiction or an accompanying psychological disorder, the first step is a comprehensive medical and psychological assessment instead of trying medicines or stopping the drug suddenly without supervision.
The assessment helps in knowing the nature of the problem, the degree of dependence, the expected risks, the appropriate level of care, and whether the case needs outpatient treatment or residency inside a specialized center.
You can contact the Riviera Addiction Treatment Center to get a confidential initial assessment with the specialized team and determine the most suitable treatment path for the case under the medical supervision of Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy.
Get in touch now and take the first step of treatment in an environment that protects privacy and combines medical expertise, psychological support and behavioral rehabilitation.