10 Conclusions Supported by Addiction

Science

Drug Use is Chosen Behavior

10 Conclusions Supported by Addiction

Science

Drug Problems Emerge Gradually and Occur Along a Continuum

of Severity

10 Conclusions Supported by Addiction

Science

Once Well Established – Drug Use Problems Tend to Become

Self-Perpetuating

10 Conclusions Supported by Addiction

Science

Motivation is Central to Prevention and Intervention

10 Conclusions Supported by Addiction

Science

Drug Using Behavior Responds to Social Reinforcement

10 Conclusions Supported by Addiction

Science

Drug Use Problems Do Not Occur in Isolation, But as Part of

Clusters of Problems

10 Conclusions Supported by Addiction

Science

There are Identifiable Risk and Protective Factors

10 Conclusions Supported by Addiction

Science

Drug Use Problems Occur Within a Family Context

10 Conclusions Supported by Addiction

Science

Drug Use Problems are affected by Social Context

10 Conclusions Supported by Addiction

Science

Therapeutic Relationships Matter

10 Conclusions Supported by Addiction

Science

This Presentation is based on the Work of the Conference on

Approaches to Combating the Troublesome Use of Substances

W.R. Miller and K.M. Carroll, Eds.

2005

10 Implications for Substance Abuse Treatment Systems

Intervention is not a specialist problem, but a broad social responsibility that should be

shared by many public and private entities

10 Implications for Substance Abuse Treatment Systems

We should screen for and address the full spectrum of drug use

problems, not just the most severe

10 Implications for Substance Abuse Treatment Systems

Helpers should seek to understand drug problems in a larger life context, and provide comprehensive care options

10 Implications for Substance Abuse Treatment Systems

Look beyond the individual for the causes of and solutions to drug

use problems

10 Implications for Substance Abuse Treatment Systems

Enhancing motivation for change and commitment to change should

be a key component of any treatment intervention

10 Implications for Substance Abuse Treatment Systems

Changing a well-established pattern of drug use begins by interrupting the pattern and

establishing an initial period of abstinence

10 Implications for Substance Abuse Treatment Systems

Enhance positive reinforcement for non-use, and enrich access to

alternate sources of positive reinforcement

10 Implications for Substance Abuse Treatment Systems

Helpers should seek to diminish the rewarding aspects of drug use

10 Implications for Substance Abuse Treatment Systems

Services should be easily accessible, rapid, welcoming,

affordable, helpful, potent, comfortable and attractive

10 Implications for Substance Abuse Treatment Systems

Helpers should use

evidence-based practices whenever possible