|
Tap 11 — TAPs <<<Documents<<<Home
This page contains links to external Web sites. The Treatment Improvement Exchange has no control over their content or availability.
Chapter 1 of TAP 11: Treatment for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse: Opportunities for Coordination
Chapter 1Who Needs Treatment:
An Overview of Addiction and
Its Treatment
Almost everyone
has
had experience with
addictive psycho active
substances.
Alcohol is a legal substance
that is frequently used in
social situations by people from all
walks of life. Most people consume
it occasionally and experience no
adverse effects. Nevertheless, it can
be addicting, and for those who
reach this level of use, there are
potential health and social consequences.
In addition to alcohol,
mood-altering drugs include a
variety of illegal and legal substances
that are highly addictive
and often result in impaired
physical, social, and psychological
functioning of users.
Joseph A. Califano, Jr. (1992),
president of the Columbia University
Center on Addictions and
Substance Abuse and former
Secretary of the U.S. Department of
Health, Education, and Welfare,
reported the following estimates of
the numbers of persons abusing
alcohol and other drugs in the
United States:
- approximately
18 million
persons abuse or are addicted to
alcohol;
- up to 1 million
individuals use
heroin;
- at least 2 million
are addicted to
cocaine or crack;
- 5.5 million get
high on marijuana
more than once a week; and
- 11 million persons
abuse
tranquilizers and other
psychotropic drugs.
Because of the addictive properties
of these substances, and the
related physical, social, and
psychological consequences they
precipitate, treatment will be
required for these individuals to
recover from their addictions and
achieve abstinence.
Those who have not had personal
experiences using either socially
acceptable or illicit drugs still may
have been touched by the effects of
these substances. Use and abuse of
alcohol and other drugs has far-reaching
effects. Family members,
friends, coworkers, and others often
are affectedsometimes tragicallyby those who become involved in
substance abuse.
In this chapter, the process of
addictionprogressing from
experimental and social use to
dependency and addictionwill
be examined. This process also
includes recovery for many individuals
who receive appropriate
treatment interventions. Such
recovery means a chance to return
to productive roles in society that
are not focused on procuring and
using alcohol and other drugs at
the expense of one's physical
health and personal well-being.
Recognized as a part of the disorder
of addiction is its chronic and
relapsing nature. Recovery from
addictive illness necessitates
sobriety and abstinence, relapse
prevention programs, and continuing
supportive intervention for
those who become dependent on
mood-altering chemicals.
The majority of persons who use
drugs or alcohol from time to time
will not need treatment. Those who
are not dependent or addicted may
be able to decide to stop using
chemicals. However, finding a
social climate that is intolerant
toward drug use will be important
for them. The threat of social, legal,
or employer sanctions often is
significant enough to persuade
them away from continued drug
use (Office of National Drug
Control Policy [ONDCP], 1990b).
Treatment is for those who cannot
or will not stop their use of alcohol
or drugs without the help of a
specific programusually those
who have become physically or
psychologically dependent on
alcohol or drugs. Without some form
of intervention, compulsive alcohol
and drug users usually are unable to
stop their use for more than a few
days at a time. Despite the personal
and family consequences, of which
they are usually aware, addiction
makes it virtually impossible for them
to abstain from abusing alcohol or
other drugs (ONDCP, 1990b). Their
need for chemicals often forces them
to deny the negative consequences
they are experiencing.
For youth, the criteria for those
needing treatment services is somewhat
different. In addition to illicit
street drugs, the use of alcohol is
also
illegal for persons under the age of
21
in most States. Thus, lawfully, any
use
of these substances by adolescents can
be considered abuse. Use of substances
is also of particular concern
for adolescents who are still developing,
physically, socially, and
emotionally. For youth, the stance is
often taken that if use of alcohol or
other drugs are creating problems in
one or more areas of functioning, then
assessment and intervention services
should be provided (McLellan &
Dembo, 1992). This affords a positive
opportunity to prevent progression to
more serious chemical dependency
for many young persons.
Treatment is an essential and
cost-effective factor in stemming the
tide of substance abuse. Without
treatment that is appropriate for the
specific needs of individuals, the
economic and human costs associated
with substance abuse will continue to
escalate. Treatment is vital for those
whose use of alcohol and other drugs
has progressed to the stage of
dependence or addiction. This
chapter will present a description of
the five critical elements necessary
for
a comprehensive treatment approach.
No one begins using a mood-altering
substance with the intention
of becoming addicted to it. For
example, the use of alcohol begins
with the notion that it will be used
only on social occasions, with
certain friends, or for specific purposes.
In some cases, it is possible
to maintain that level of use.
However, for persons who have
progressed to dependence on
alcohol or other drugs, the sojourn
has been difficult. Once past a
certain point, there is no turning
back. Continuing the journey, with
any expectation of health and
well-being, will require substance
abuse treatment.
Abstinence from alcohol and
other drugs is typical for most
people most of the time. Occasional
use of psycho-active substances
may begin because of curiosity or
because of the influence of friends.
Initial experimental use of mood-altering
substances usually occurs
during the adolescent years, most
often between 12 and 15 years of
age. The typical pattern is experimentation
with tobacco and
alcohol, followed by initial use of
marijuana. As use continues, other
illicit drugs that can be inhaled or
ingested orally may be consumed.
Use of more potent drugs, particularly those requiring hypodermic
administration, begins somewhat
later. During this initial period, use
of drugs is intermittent, and most
people return to periods of
complete abstinence during which
they do not seek or consume drugs
and experience no adverse
consequences from their use
(Institute of Medicine, 1990). See
Table 1-A for a brief summary of
the characteristics of experimental
and social use of alcohol and other
drugs.
The metabolic effects of alcohol
and other drugs alter the individual's
chemistry because
psycho-active drugs mimic,
displace, block, or deplete specific
chemical messengers between
nerve cells in the brain. Certain areas of the brain control drives
such as hunger, thirst, and sexual
libido. When we are hungry we
feel uncomfortable; when we eat,
we feel satisfieda positive
reward. psycho-active substances
act upon the same areas of the
brain and they can produce
euphoria, an extremely pleasurable
feeling, or cravings for the drug, an
unpleasant feeling. With gradually
increasing use of a substance, the
cycle of euphoria and cravings
results in dependence or addiction
to the drug (Dackis & Gold, 1992;
Institute of Medicine, 1990).
Table 1-A. Stage 1: Experimental and
Social Use of
Drugs and Alcohol
Frequency of use: Occasional, perhaps a few times monthly. Usually on weekends when at parties or with friends. May use when alone.
Sources of drugs/alcohol: Friends/peers
primarily. Youth may use parents' alcohol.
Reasons for use:
- to satisfy curiosity;
- to acquiesce to
peer pressure;
- to obtain social
acceptance;
-
to defy parental
limits;
- to take a risk
or seek a thrill;
- to appear grown
up;
- to relieve boredom;
-
to produce pleasurable
feelings; and
- to diminish inhibitions
in social situations.
Effects: At this stage the person will
experience euphoria and return to a normal state after using. A small amount may cause intoxication. Feelings sought include:
- fun, excitement;
- thrill;
- belonging; and
- control.
Behavioral indicators:
- little noticeable
change;
- some may lie about
use or whereabouts;
- some may experience
moderate hangovers; occasionally, there is
evidence of use, such as a beer can
or marijuana joint.
(Beschner, 1986; Institute of Medicine,
1990; Jaynes & Rugg, 1988; Macdonald,
1989; Nowinski, 1990).
Problem use or abuse of alcohol
or other drugs is the second stage
in the process of addiction (see
Table 1-B). The frequency of
administration, as well as the
amount of the drug used, increases.
Use to the point of intoxication
occurs often. The pleasurable,
euphoric feelings produced with
earlier use are still sought, but after
the effects of the drug subside,
pain, depression, and discomfort
may occur. Unlike earlier stages of
use, individuals progressing
through this stage are likely to
begin encountering consequences
for use. These may include:
- work- or school-related
difficulties;
- changes in friends;
- family problems;
-
physical illnesses;
-
weight loss and
other physical
problems;
- financial and
legal
complications; and
- personality and
emotional
changes.
If substance abuse continues, the
individual may reach the stage of
dependency/addiction. Dependency
occurs when a drug user
experiences physical or psychological
distress upon discontinuing use
of the drug. Addiction implies
compulsive use, impaired control
over using the substance, preoccupation with obtaining and
using the drug, and continued use
despite adverse consequences
(Morse & Flavin, 1992). Table 1-C
summarizes the characteristics of
this stage, including almost continuous
use to avoid pain and
depression. Dependent/addicted
persons are unlikely to experience
euphoria or other pleasant effects
from the drug; continued administration is needed to achieve a state
of homeostasisfeeling "normal"
or not having pain.
The physical, social, occupational,
financial, legal, and
psychological consequences
continue in a downward spiral.
Those who persist in drug use to
this stage often begin using
injectable drugs. On average, it
may take from 5 to 10 years following the first experimental use
of drugs until a person progresses
to the stage of dependency/
addiction. This means that many
who initiate drug use in their early
teens will be addicted by their late
teens or early 20s. There are many
personal and drug-related variables
that can hasten or retard the
process, but once dependent,
obtaining and using a drug of
choice is the focus of one's life
(Institute of Medicine, 1990).
Table 1-B. Stage 2: Abuse
Frequency of use: Regular; may use several
times per week. May begin using during the day. May be using alone rather than with friends.
Sources: Friends; begins buying enough
to be prepared. May sell drugs to keep a supply for personal use. May begin stealing to have money to buy drugs/alcohol.
Reasons for use:
- To manipulate emotions; to experience the pleasure the substances produce; to cope with stress and uncomfortable
feelings such as pain, guilt, anxiety, and sadness; and
to overcome feelings of inadequacy.
- Persons who progress to this stage of drug/alcohol involvement
often experience depression or other uncomfortable feelings when
not using. Substances are used to stay high or at least maintain
normal feelings.
Effects:
- Euphoria is the desired feeling; may return to a normal state
following use or may experience pain, depression and general
discomfort. Intoxication begins to occur regularly, however.
- Feelings sought include:
- pleasure;
- relief from negative feelings, such as boredom, and anxiety; and
- stress reduction.
- May begin to feel some guilt, fear, and shame.
- May have suicidal ideations/attempts. Tries to control use, but is unsuccessful. Feels shame and guilt. More of a substance is needed to produce the same effect.
Behavioral indicators:
- school or work performance and attendance may decline;
- mood swings;
- changes in personality;
- lying and conning;
- change in friendshipswill have drug-using friends;
- decrease in extracurricular activities;
- begins adopting drug culture appearance (clothing, grooming,
hairstyles, jewelry);
- conflict with family members may be exacerbated;
- behavior may be more rebellious; and
- all interest is focused on procuring and using drugs/alcohol.
(Beschner, 1986; Institute of Medicine,
1990; Jaynes & Rugg, 1988; Macdonald,
1989; Nowinski, 1990)
Figure 1-A graphically depicts
the progression of drug use
through the three stages of
experimental/social use, problem
use/abuse, and dependency/
addiction (Doweiko, 1990; Institute
of Medicine, 1990). As the use of
mood-altering chemicals progresses
through these stages,
related physical, social, and psychological
problems increase. During
earlier stages many people can
manage their drug and alcohol use
and may move back and forth from
abstinence to problem use. Each stage
entails some risk of progression to
the
next, but this course is not inevitable
(Institute of Medicine, 1990). However,
once the stage of dependency/
addiction is reached, the individual
has acquired a chronic relapsing dis
order that most professionals
believe can never be "cured."
Return to earlier stages of controlled
use is no longer possible.
However, treatment helps
addicted individuals enter a stage
of recovery during which they
abstain from substance use and
experience improved physical, social
and psychological functioning.
Because of relapse, the recovery
process may be interrupted by
periods of return to substance use.
This requires attention to relapse
prevention and continuing supportive
therapeutic interventions.
Many treatment modalities (such
as methadone maintenance or
Alcoholics Anonymous) are
viewed as potentially lifelong
commitments to maintain the
recovery process. Chapter 9 will
provide more information on
relapse prevention programming.
Knowledge of the mechanisms
of substance abuse and addiction
has not advanced enough to
provide a cogent understanding of
the reasons some people manage
their use of alcohol or drugs while
others progress to a problem stage
of abuse or addiction. It is likely
that a combination of physiological,
environmental, and
psychological factors converge to
exacerbate the problem for some
individuals. (Theories concerning
the causes of addiction will be
discussed further in Chapter 3.)
Although found among all
socioeconomic groups, persons already
plagued by poverty, disease,
and unemployment are over-represented
among those afflicted
by chemical addiction.
Research indicates that, while it
is not a curable disorder, treatment
for substance abuse does work.
With
treatment, substance-dependent
persons enjoy healthy and productive
lives. Instead of creating health
risks, committing crimes, and
requiring public support, recovering
individuals make positive contributions
to society through their work
and creativity. Recovery is the
process of initiating and maintaining
abstinence from alcohol or
other drug use. It also involves
making personal and interpersonal
changes (Daley & Marlatt, 1992).
Whether an individual is addicted
to or abusing alcohol, illegal drugs,
prescription drugs, or a combination
of these, the most important
goal is to discontinue the use of
alcohol and/or drugs.
Table 1-C. Stage 3: Dependency/Addiction
Frequency of use: Daily use, continuous.
Sources:
- will use any means necessary to obtain and secure needed drugs/alcohol;
- will take serious
risks; and
- will often engage
in criminal behavior such as shoplifting and
burglary.
Reasons for use:
- drugs/alcohol are needed to avoid pain and depression;
- many wish to escape the realities of daily living; and
- use is out of control.
Effects:
- person's normal state is pain or discomfort;
- drugs/alcohol help them feel normal;
- when the effects wear off, they again feel pain;
- they are unlikely to experience euphoria at this stage;
- they may experience suicidal thoughts or attempts;
- they often feel guilt, shame, and remorse;
- they may experience blackouts; and
- they may experience changing emotions, such as depression,
aggression, irritation, and apathy.
Behavioral indicators:
- physical deterioration includes weight loss, health problems;
- appearance is poor;
- may experience memory loss, flashbacks, paranoia, volatile mood
swings, and other mental problems;
- likely to drop out or be expelled from school or lose jobs;
- may be absent from home much of the time;
- possible overdoses; and
-
lack of concern about being caughtfocused only on procuring and
using drugs/alcohol.
(Beschner, 1986; Institute of Medicine,
1990; Jaynes & Rugg, 1988; Macdonald,
1989; Nowinski, 1990)
With relapse prevention programming
and supportive
treatment, recovery is a realizable
goal. With improved treatment
services and adequate resources,
society also is protected from
further consequences related to
drugs and alcohol, including
economic, social, health, and
crime-related problems. Additional
information on the consequences of
substance abuse is presented later
in this chapter and in Chapter 2.
Treatment is an effective tool in
reducing drug abuse and rehabilitating
those affected by it. It is
particularly important that treatment
strategies incorporate the following
five critical components to enhance
effectiveness (Messalle, 1992).
- Assessment uses diagnostic
instruments and processes to
determine an individual's
needs and problems. It is an
essential first step in determining
the possible causes of
addiction for the person and
the most appropriate treatment
modality for his or her needs.
More information on screening
and assessment will be
presented in Chapter 4.
- Patient-Treatment Matching
ensures that an individual
receives the type of treatment
corresponding with his or her
personality, background, mental
condition, and the extent
and duration of substance
abuse determined by the assessment.
In Chapter 5, the
importance of patient-treatment
matching will be
emphasized.
- Comprehensive services include
the range of services needed in
addition to specific alcohol or
drug treatment. The needs of
addicted persons are often very
complex, including health
problems, financial and legal
issues, psychological problems,
and many others. Effective
treatment must help people
access the full extent of
additional services needed to
make their lives whole.
- Relapse prevention is important
because addiction is a chronic
and relapsing disorder.
Relapse prevention strategies
are based on assessing an
individual's "triggers"
those situations, events,
people, places, thoughts, and
activitiesthat re-kindle the
need for drugs. Strategies for
coping with these when they
occur are then developed.
Relapse prevention will be
reviewed in more detail in
Chapter 9.
- Accountability of treatment
programs is crucial for determining
the success of specific
approaches and modalities.
The need for the program, its
integrity, and its results,
including abstinence, social
adjustment, and reduction of
criminal behavior by those
treated in the program, must
be evaluated. More information
on accountability and
program evaluation is contained
in Chapter 10.
Throughout this text a variety of
terms will be used frequently to
describe the problem of chemical
addiction and those who are affected
by it. To avoid misinterpretation or
confusion, several of these words are
defined in Table 1-D.
Although some promising
reports indicate a decline in drug
use in the general population, other
data indicate less encouraging
results. Unfortunately, there is no
single measurement that provides
a clear picture of alcohol and drug
use and its complex interaction
with individual and social problems.
Many large-scale studies use
populations that are easily accessed,
such as youth in high
school or persons living at home
who have telephones. However,
these methods tend to overlook
subgroups who are known to have
high rates of substance abuse, such
as those in prisons, homeless
persons, and high school dropouts.
Further, individuals may be
reluctant to disclose alcohol and
other drug use when they are
questioned because they are
concerned about potential
punishment.
Estimated Drug Use Within the General Population
The National Household Survey on
Drug Abuse
, sponsored by the
National Institute on Drug Abuse
(NIDA), conducts interviews with
a sample of Americans to reach estimates
of the prevalence of use of
a variety of drugs. This survey indicates
that trends in drug use are
showing declines. Similarly, the
High School Senior Survey, also
sponsored by NIDA, is conducted annually on a sample of senior
students in public and private high
schools. The data from this study
indicate that current, recent, and
lifetime use of drugs by these
students has declined steadily since
peak levels were reached in the late
1970s and early 1980s. The survey
also establishes that respondents'
attitudes toward drugs are changing.
Disapproval of drug use and
the perceived harmfulness of drug
use have increased (ONDCP,
1990a).
Table 1-D. A Brief Lexicon of Substance
Abuse Terms
Abstinence: Refraining from the use
of alcohol or other drugs (Ray &
Ksir, 1987).
Addiction: A chronic, progressive, relapsing
disorder characterized by
compulsive use of one or more substances
that results in physical,
psychological, or social harm to the
individual and continued use of the
substance or substances despite this
harm (Schnoll, 1986).
Alcoholism: A primary, chronic disease
with genetic, psychosocial, and
environmental factors influencing its
development and manifestations. It is
often progressive and fatal. It is characterized
by impaired control over
drinking, preoccupation with the drug
alcohol, use of alcohol despite
adverse consequences, and distortions
in thinking, most notably denial.
Each of these symptoms may be continuous
or periodic (Morse & Flavin,
1992).
Dependence: A psychological and/or physical
need for the drug.
Withdrawal symptoms are experienced
upon ceasing use of the drug
(Schuckit, 1989).
Drug of abuse: Any substance that alters
the mood, level of perception, or
brain functioning. These substances
include prescribed medications,
alcohol, solvents, and illegal drugs
(Schuckit, 1989).
psycho-active substance: A chemical that
alters mood and/or behavior.
The principal effect is on the central
nervous system (Ray & Ksir, 1987;
Schnoll, 1986).
Relapse: The return to substance use
after a period of abstinence (Schnoll,
1986).
Tolerance: The need for increasing doses
of a substance to maintain its
effects (Portenoy & Payne, 1992).
Withdrawal syndrome: A characteristic
set of physical and psychological
effects that occur when use of the drug
is significantly decreased or
stopped. There is a craving for the
drug when one is abstinent, and these
symptoms are relieved when the drug
is again taken (Institute of Medicine,
1990; Schnoll, 1986).
While these and other studies
provide reason for optimism, there
are some inherent problems. Those
selected to take part in these
studies are promised anonymity of
their responses in return for their
voluntary participation. However,
it is likely that some decline
because of fear of consequences for
their behavior. National surveys
also miss hard-to-reach subsections
of the population. This includes
youth and adults who are not
living at home and are not attending
school (e.g., school dropouts,
incarcerated persons, the homeless).
However, documented use of
mood-altering substances is higher
among such groups (ONDCP,
1990a).
Currently, estimates of the number
of persons abusing or addicted
to alcohol and other drugs range
from 6.5 to 37.5 million. However,
only about 300,000 of this number
receive some form of treatment
(Califano, 1992; Primm, 1992). It is
estimated that nearly one-fifth of
the population will experience
substance abuse-related problems
during their lifetimes. The use of
illegal drugs in the United States
has gradually increased from
minimal levels in the 1940s and
1950s to 1985 levels at which
approximately one-third of the
population are thought to have
used some drug(s) during their
lifetimes (Frances & Miller, 1991).
Hospital Admissions
Related to Drug Use
Between 1985 and 1988, while
reported drug use was declining,
the number of drug-related
hospital admissions more than
doubled (Frances & Miller, 1991).
The Drug Abuse Warning Network
(DAWN) examines the numbers
and pattern of drug-related health
emergencies and deaths in several
cities. Cocaine-related emergency
room cases increased 400 percent
between 1985 and 1988. However,
beginning in 1989, a gradual
decline began. Deaths attributable
to cocaine during the same period
tripled. Corresponding patterns
occurred with other illicit drugs
during the same period; however,
the increases in emergency room
cases and deaths were not as
dramatic with other drugs as they
were with cocaine (ONDCP, 1990a).
Use of Drugs by
Criminal Offenders
The Drug Use Forecasting
Program (DUF) uses urinalysis to
test a sample of arrestees in
selected major cities around the
country. Urine specimens are
collected anonymously and
voluntarily from both adult and
juvenile arrestees. The DUF reports
provide information about the
criminal justice population that is
under-represented in other drug
surveys. The results indicate that
the rate of drug use is as much as
10 times greater among those
arrested for serious crimes than
among the general population.
Approximately three-quarters of
arrestees committing crimes of
burglary or robbery in 1989 tested
positive for drugs, indicating a link
between drugs and income-generating
crimes. However, the
data show that drug use is also
prevalent among the majority of
most other serious offenders
(ONDCP, 1990a).
The association between drugs
and crime can be made in at least
three ways (Singer, 1992):
- The criminal act of manufacturing
or selling illegal
drugs is undertaken for the extreme
profits that can be made.
- Some addicted persons engage
in income-generating crimes to
support their drug use habits.
This includes crimes such as
robbery, shoplifting, burglary,
and prostitution.
- Certain drugs increase aggressive
or violent behavior in
some individuals, resulting in
violent crimes such as murder,
manslaughter, rape, and other
sexual assaults. Alcohol,
cocaine, and phencyclidine
(PCP) are particularly noted
for this effect.
Availability of Drugs
The International Narcotics
Strategy Report provides an
assessment of current production
levels of major drugs in foreign
countries. A condition for financial
assistance to these countries is their
cooperation with the United States
and their progress in the suppression
of illicit drug production,
trafficking, and money laundering.
Information about law enforcement
activities, crop control, drug
abuse prevention, and anti-money
laundering programs is part of the
report for each country. In 1990,
both encouragement and warning
signs were noted. In Burma,
cultivation of opium and refining
of heroin increased. However, in
some Latin American countries the
production and export of cocaine,
marijuana, and opiates declined
(ONDCP, 1990a). Decreased
supplies and increased prices of
drugs may result in fewer persons
beginning or continuing to use
them. However, in some cases it
may result in increased crime rates
among those who are heavily
dependent upon the drugs.
The National Narcotics Intelligence
Consumers Committee
Report also examines trends in
drug availability and consumption.
Cocaine continues to be widely
available in the United States,
although purity has declined and
prices have increased according to
recent reports. Heroin availability
also increased during 1989. At that
time, methamphetamine and
MDMA ("Ecstasy") were readily
obtainable and use remained high,
while PCP use declined in major
U.S. cities (ONDCP, 1990a).
These data indicate that drug use
is a pervasive problem in American
society, cutting across socio-economic,
racial, and ethnic lines.
Persons responsible for decision
making and coordination related to
treatment services should be
attuned to the heterogeneity of the
population (Singer, 1992).
The incidence of substance abuse
remains unacceptably high, and both
substance abusers and other persons
are adversely affected by this
disease. New information about the
effectiveness and economic benefits
of providing treatment are emerging
rapidly. Efforts to evaluate treatment
have led the Office of National Drug
Control Policy (1990b, p. 30) to state
unequivocally, "We now know on
the basis of more than two decades
of research that drug treatment can
work."
Various perspectives have viewed
addiction as a matter of personal
choice, as a medical illness, or as
deviant, criminal behavior. Thus,
responses to addicted persons have
ranged from ignoring them to
hospitalization to imprisonment.
The medical view of addiction
understands that addicted persons
have a treatable disease, much like
other diseases, such as diabetes.
Addiction is a chronic disorder that
is prone to relapse, even after
significant periods of recovery.
Thus, the individual needs
treatment that is appropriate for
his or her particular needs and
problems based on an assessment
of the cause and course of the
disease. The mission of treatment
agencies focuses on helping
individuals make positive changes. Treatment approaches have
evolved in two basic categories:
- Pharmacological modalities,
which affect physiological
processes (such as
detoxification and methadone
maintenance), and
- Behavioral modalities, which
influence behavior or learning
processes.
These often are combined to
produce a greater effect (NIDA,
1991).
The criminal view of addiction
defines drug use as a criminal
behavior. The focus of intervention
in the criminal justice system is
first to protect the health, safety,
and welfare of the public, and then
to rehabilitate offenders, if possible.
Prison crowding and an
overwhelming drain on community
corrections resources have
resulted from increasing numbers
of drug-involved offenders.
However, as caseloads continue to
rise, it is difficult to see that this
approach, at least without
concomitant treatment, has
positively affected the problem of
substance abuse.
Table 1-E. Center for Substance Abuse
Treatment
Model for Comprehensive Alcohol and
Other Drug
Abuse Treatment
A model treatment program includes:
- Assessment, to
include a medical examination, drug use history,
psychosocial evaluation, and, where
warranted, a psychiatric
evaluation, as well as a review of socioeconomic
factors and
eligibility for public health, welfare,
employment, and educational
assistance programs.
- Same day intake,
to retain the patient's involvement and interest in
treatment.
-
Documenting findings
and treatment,
to enhance clinical case
supervision.
-
Preventive and
primary medical care,
provided on site.
- Testing for infectious
diseases,
at intake and at intervals throughout
treatment, for infectious diseases,
for example, hepatitis,
retrovirus, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS,
syphilis, gonorrhea, and other
sexually transmitted diseases.
- Weekly random
drug testing,
to ensure abstinence and compliance
with treatment.
- Pharmacotherapeutic
interventions,
by qualified medical practitioners,
as appropriate for those patients having
mental health
disorders, those addicted to heroin,
and HIV-seropositive
individuals.
-
Group counseling
interventions,
to address the unique emotional,
physical, and social problems of HIV/AIDS
patients.
- Basic substance
abuse counseling,
including psychological
counseling, psychiatric counseling,
and family or collateral
counseling provided by persons certified
by State authorities to
provide such services. Staff training
and education are integral to a
successful treatment program.
-
Practical life
skills counseling,
including vocational and
educational counseling and training,
frequently available through
linkages with specialized programs.
- General health
education,
including nutrition, sex and family
planning, and HIV/AIDS counseling, with
an emphasis on
contraception counseling for adolescents
and women.
- Peer/support groups,
particularly for those who are HIV-positive or
who have been victims of rape or sexual
abuse.
- Liaison services
with immigration, legal aid, and criminal justice
system authorities.
-
Social and athletic
activities,
to retrain patients' perceptions of
social interaction.
- Alternative housing
for homeless patients or for those whose living
situations are conducive to maintaining
the addictive lifestyle.
- Relapse prevention,
which combines aftercare and support
programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous
and Narcotics
Anonymous, within an individualized
plan to identify, stabilize, and
control the stressors which trigger
and bring about relapse to
substance abuse.
- Outcome evaluation,
to enable refinement and improvement of
service delivery.
Substance addiction is a chronic,
progressive, relapsing disorder
affecting all citizens in one way or
another. If not directly involved,
many have family members with
alcohol or other drug-related
problems. Highways and places of
employment are sometimes unsafe
because of the effects of alcohol
and drugs on motorists and
co-workers. It is a devastating
disease to individuals, families,
and communities. The exorbitant
financial toll includes increased
health care costs and reduced
productivity, as well as higher law
enforcement costs, thefts, and
destruction of property. With the
onset of HIV/AIDS and other
infectious diseases for which transmission
is directly or indirectly
attributable to substance abuse
factors, addiction is truly a deadly
disease.
While prevention efforts are
successful in lowering rates of
substance abuse among some
segments of the population,
addiction is a pervasive problem
among others. However, treatment
is a cost-effective strategy for
intervening to stop the cycle of
destruction and despair. Treatment
programs providing comprehensive
services and attending to
the continuing treatment needs of
individuals are most beneficial.
These programs include the five
critical components of treatment
comprehensive assessment, patient-treatment
matching, comprehensive
services, relapse prevention, and
accountability.
With coordination of efforts,
appropriate application of resources,
and a vision for a better
future, great achievements in
substance abuse treatment will
occur.
Adirim, T.A., & Gupta, N.S. (1991).
A national survey of state maternal
and newborn drug testing
and reporting policies. Public
Health Reports,
106(3), 292-296.
Beck, A.J., Kline, S.A., & Greenfeld,
L.A. (1988). Survey of youth in
custody, 1987.
Washington, DC:
Bureau of Justice Statistics.
Beschner, G. (1986). Understanding
teenage drug use. In G. Beschner
& A.S. Friedman (Eds.), Teen
drug use.
Lexington, MA: D.C.
Heath and Company.
Califano, J.A. (1992, December 21).
Threeheaded dog from hell:
The staggering public health
threat posed by AIDS, substance
abuse and tuberculosis.
Washington Post, A21.
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (1993, February).
HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report.
Atlanta, GA: Author.
Dackis, C.A., & Gold, M.S. (1992).
Psychiatric hospitals for treatment
of dual diagnosis. In J.H.
Lowinson, P. Ruiz, R.B. Millman
& J.G. Langrod (Eds.), Substance
abuse: A comprehensive textbook
(Second edition). Baltimore:
Williams & Wilkins.
Daley, D.C., & Marlatt, G.A. (1992).
Relapse prevention: Cognitive
and behavioral interventions. In
J.H. Lowinson, P. Ruiz, R.B.
Millman & J.G. Langrod (Eds.),
Substance abuse: A comprehensive
textbook.
Baltimore: Williams &
Wilkins.
Dembo, R., Williams, L., Wish,
E.D., & Schmeidler, J. (1990,
May). Urine testing of detained
juveniles to identify highrisk
youth.
Washington, DC:
National Institute of Justice.
Did you know. . . (1992, March/
April). The Counselor, 10(2), 7.
Doweiko, H.E. (1990). Concepts of
chemical dependency.
Pacific
Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole
Publishing Company.
Frances, R. J., & Miller, S. I.
(1991).
Addiction treatment: The
widening scope. In R. J. Frances
& S. I. Miller (Eds.), Clinical
textbook of addictive disorders.
New York: The Guilford Press.
Graham, M. (1989, April 17). One
toke over the line. The New
Republic.
Gropper, B.A. (1985, February).
Probing the links between drugs
and crime.
Washington, DC:
National Institute of Justice.
Group for the Advancement of
Psychiatry, Committee on
Alcoholism and the Addictions
(1991, October). Substance abuse
disorders: A psychiatric priority.
American Journal of Psychiatry,
148(10), 1291-1300.
Hawkins, J.D., Lishner, D.M.,
Jenson, J.M., & Catalano,
R.F. (1987). Delinquents and
drugs: What the evidence
suggests about prevention and
treatment programming. In
B.S. Brown & A.R. Mills (Eds.),
Youth at high risk for substance
abuse.
Rockville, MD: National
Institute on Drug Abuse.
Institute of Medicine (1990). Treating
drug problems
(Volume 1).
Washington, DC: National
Academy Press.
Jaynes, J.H., & Rugg, C.A. (1988).
Adolescents, alcohol and drugs.
Springfield, IL: Charles Thomas,
Publisher.
Knott, D.H. (1986). Alcohol problems:
Diagnosis and treatment.
New
York: Pergamon Press.
Larsen, J., & Horowitz, R.M. (1992).
Judicial primer on drug and alcohol
issues in family cases.
State Justice
Institute, American Bar Association,
National Association for
Perinatal Addiction Research
and Education.
Macdonald, D.I. (1989). Drugs,
drinking and adolescents.
Chicago:
Year Book Medical Publishers.
McLellan, T., & Dembo, R. (1992).
Screening and assessment of
alcohol and other drug
(AOD)abusing adolescents
(Treatment Improvement
Protocol Series 3). Rockville,
MD: Center for Substance Abuse
Treatment.
Messalle, R. (1992, November 15).
Meeting the challenge: A judicial
perspective on substance abuse
and the role of the courts.
Presentation at Oakland, CA.
Morse, R.M., & Flavin, D.K. (for
the
Joint Committee of the National
Council on Alcoholism and
Drug Dependence and the
American Society of Addiction
Medicine to Study the Definition
and Criteria for the Diagnosis of
Alcoholism) (1992). The
definition of alcoholism. Journal
of the American Medical
Association,
268(8), 1012-1014.
National Institute on Drug Abuse
(1991). Drug abuse and drug abuse
research.
Rockville, MD: U.S.
Department of Health and
Human Services, Alcohol, Drug
Abuse, and Mental Health
Administration.
Nowinski, J. (1990). Substance abuse
in adolescents and young adults: A
guide to treatment.
New York:
W.W. Norton & Company.
Nurco, D.N., Hanlon, T.E., &
Kinlock, T.W. (1990, March).
Offenders, drugs, crime and treatment:
Literature review.
Washington, DC: U.S. Department
of Justice, Bureau of Justice
Assistance.
Office of National Drug Control
Policy (1990a, September).
Leading Drug Indicators (White
Paper). Washington, DC: Author.
Office of National Drug Control
Policy (1990b, June). Understanding
drug treatment
(White
Paper). Washington DC: Author
Portenoy, R.K., & Payne, R. (1992).
Acute and chronic pain. In J.H.
Lowinson, P. Ruiz, R.B. Millman
& J.G. Langrod (Eds.), Substance
abuse: A comprehensive textbook
(Second Edition). Baltimore:
Williams & Wilkins.
Primm, B.J. (1992). Future outlook:
Treatment improvement. In
J.H. Lowinson, P. Ruiz, R.B.
Millman & J.G. Langrod (Eds.),
Substance abuse: A comprehensive
textbook
(Second Edition). Baltimore:
Williams & Wilkins.
Ray, O., & Ksir, C. (1987). Drugs,
society, and human behavior.
St.
Louis: Time Mirror/Mosby
College Publishing.
Rice, D.P., Kelmann, S., & Miller,
L.S. (1991). Estimates of
economic costs of alcohol and
drug abuse and mental illness,
1985 and 1988. Public Health
Reports,
106(3), 280-292.
Schnoll, S. (1986). Getting help:
Treatments for drug abuse.
New
York: Chelsea House Publishers.
Schuckit, M.A. (1989). Drug and
alcohol abuse: A clinical guide to
diagnosis and treatment
(Third
Edition). New York: Plenum
Medical Book Company.
Singer, A. (1992). Effective treatment
for druginvolved offenders: A
review and synthesis for judges and
other court personnel.
Newton,
MA: Education Development
Center, Inc.
Yazigi, R.A., Odem, R.R., &
Polakoski, K.L. (1991, October
9). Demonstration of specific
binding of cocaine to human
spermatozoa. Journal of the
American Medical Association,
266(14), 1956-1959.
Previous | Table of Contents |
Next Top of Page
Last Updated 11-7-02
|