Dr Amanda Hilmer specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with substance use disorders or hazardous patterns of substance use. Her services include primary care for patients with a dual diagnosis of substance use disorder and mental illness, as well as inpatient treatment of substance use disorders. Dr Hilmer believes addiction is a chronic, treatable illness that requires innovative approaches to care. Her approach is similar to the chronic disease models used in other conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension. Dr Hilmer is an assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine.