Treatment Methods for Addiction

Some of the treatment interventions available for patients with substance use disorder are as follows. Firstly, there is the option of the Minnesota model of addiction recovery, which focuses on residential chemical dependency treatment. This model integrates the biopsychosocial disease addiction model that concentrates on abstinence as the main objective of treatment and applies the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program to help in relapse prevention and recovery (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2017). Accordingly, this requires about 30 days of inpatient treatment. In some cases, rehab might take six months. More recently, most hospitals have shortened the inpatient stay and substituted this with intensive outpatient treatment that is followed by a bit of intensive continuing care. Such inpatient services are usually intensive, restrictive, and costlier than outpatient services.

Secondly, there is counseling that can be offered in an outpatient setting. This might incorporate training skills, therapeutic techniques, and little or no pharmacotherapy and educational support based on the client’s specific needs to help in recovery and relapse prevention. This approach is considered the least standardized form of treatment and contrasts greatly in staffing patterns, time of care, and intensity (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2017). The patient can be seen only one or two times a week. Additionally, other counseling strategies, self-help meetings, and social work can be used in addition to the counseling. Such outpatient treatments record high attrition rates, and therefore, employer, family, or legal pressure might force the patients to stay in treatment, which might deter the course of treatment. Compared to inpatient services like the Minnesota model, outpatient counseling is less restrictive, less costly, and less intensive. This option is most suitable for a patient with a mild addiction or can be a part of a long-term treatment program.

Lastly, one can choose therapeutic community residential treatment that is proper for substance use disorder patients who also suffer severe psychosocial adjustment issues and need resocialization in a setting that is exceedingly structured. Treatment requires an emphasis on destructive behavior and thinking patterns. These patterns can be altered through individual and group therapy that are reality-oriented and rigorous interaction sessions with one’s peers and taking part in a therapeutic setting with tiered responsibilities, privileges, and roles (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2017). There are explicit and strict behavioral norms that are reinforced and emphasized through punishments and rewards to enforce social responsibility and self-control. Enrollment is intensive and long-term, about 3 to 9 months of staying in the residential setting and then steady re-entry into the society. This mode of intervention is highly effective in lessening drug consumption and criminal activity and enhancing schooling and employment rates. However, compared to counseling and the Minnesota rehab model, this treatment records up to 75 percent of enrollees who fail to complete the treatment (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2017).

Generally, inpatient hospitalization is the most intensive, followed by residential, intensive outpatient, and outpatient treatments. Even though rehab and residential treatment might be considered costlier than outpatient services, all these services are effective, and the response rate depends on the patient’s specific needs.

The community and national-based addiction resources that are available in Mercer County, New Jersey, to support someone through their addiction journey include:

Adolescents Recovering Together (ART),

Alpha Healing Center,

Alcoholics Anonymous-Central Jersey Intergroup,

BlueCrest Recovery Center,

Center for Great Expectations

ABC Therapy Services (Mercer Resource Net, 2022).

References

Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2017). A guide to substance abuse services for primary care clinicians. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64815/

Mercer Resource Net. (2022). Addiction / Substance Abuse. https://www.mercerresourcenet.org/health-services/behavioral-mental-health/addiction-substance-abuse/

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In 1.5 – 2 pages, please identify and discuss three to four treatment options available for individuals diagnosed with a substance use disorder (alcohol, drugs, tobacco).

Treatment Methods for Addiction

Consider inpatient treatment (rehab, hospital settings, etc.), outpatient treatment (counseling, methadone maintenance, etc.), and other support programs (sober living facilities, 12-step programs, etc.). Compare and contrast these treatment options and how effective they are in treating addiction. Consider availability, access, and cost when discussing these options. In addition, create a list of 5-7 national and community-based addiction resources available to support someone through their journey to recovery.