NCJ Number
163482
Date Published
1995
Length
122 pages
Annotation
A substantial body of research substantiates the effectiveness of addiction treatment, and an overview of the literature is provided to describe specific treatment approaches, treatment settings, and treatment components and services.
Abstract
Addiction is viewed as a progressive, chronic, primary, relapsing disorder that generally involves compulsion, loss of control and continued use of alcohol and other drugs despite adverse consequences. Further, addiction, treatment, recovery, and relapse are dynamic biopsychosocial processes influenced by biological, medical, psychological, emotional, social, and environmental factors. The primary goal of addiction treatment is to meet the treatment needs of patients. Accordingly, treatment effectiveness can be measured in terms of the overall biopsychosocial health of patients. Addiction treatment is described in terms of a treatment approach, a treatment intervention based on a specific philosophical approach. Primary treatment approaches include methadone maintenance, therapeutic community treatment, traditional chemical dependency treatment, and outpatient drug-free nonmethadone treatment. Addiction treatment can be delivered in different environments or settings, including patient and outpatient facilities. Addiction treatment components involve specific clinical interventions, strategies, and procedures designed to achieve specific treatment goals and objectives. These components include pharmacotherapy, behavioral relationship therapy, behavioral contracting, brief intervention therapy, stress management, social skills training, relapse prevention, employee assistance programs, Alcoholics Anonymous, and individual psychotherapy. Factors influencing treatment outcomes are considered, the relation between addiction treatment and the criminal justice system is examined, and the provision of addiction treatment to special population groups is discussed. 214 references and 3 exhibits