Community-based action programs for substance abuse

CAP

Community Action programs are a vital resource to individuals needing assistance with various aspects of their lives. The purpose of this discussion is to examine Community Action Programs (CAP's) and the manner in which they tie in with substance abuse/dependence and HIV / AIDS prevention. The research will highlight which community programs promote initiatives to combat substance use and how it affects HIV / AIDS.

Community Actions Programs

Community action programs are useful because they address the stages of abusive addiction and prevention. According to Freeman (2001) addicts often feel disempowered or powerless. Community Action programs address this by providing communities with resources so that those suffering with such addictions can find support. This support can come in the form of work skills, counseling, drug testing and accountability. All of these things can be instrumental in determining if an individual can successfully overcome drug addiction.

As it relates to the programs that are currently present and are designed to address substance abuse and HIV / AIDS, there are many programs in various communities throughout the country. These types of community action programs are important because they address two problems that are prevalent in may communities and are often related to one another. An article found in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse "HIV has had a devastating effect among chemically dependent men and women. Twenty-five percent of AIDS infections in the United States...were transmitted via intravenous drug use (Michigan Department of Community...2003). Treatment for these co-occurring substance use and infectious diseases has be fragmented. Inevitably, substance abuse impedes access to care for HIV / AIDS and compliance with treatment recommendations (2). However, treatment of substance use disorder improves the likelihood that patients will receive adequate medical treatment of HIV disease, particularly if integrated systems of care are used (Anderson et al., pg. 847)."

With this being understood Community Action Programs that address both issues are needed and necessary. The article explains that one such program called the Circle of Care which operates in Detroit, Michigan. This program offers ongoing assistance to those suffering form HIV / AIDS and substance abuse. The program uses assessment planning, intervention and evaluation to assist those with these problems. The program provides accompaniment to healthcare appointments, has an integrative treatment program, and the program also makes sure that participants are adhering to the plan (Anderson et al.). According to the author the treatments from this program resulted in improved health and functioning and decreased drug use.

Another program that has been implemented is known as recovery works. According to Freeman (2001) this program hosts 50 clients at a time. However, there are only about 30 participants in the outpatient treatment. Most of the clients are white males. Amongst the female participants in the program 60% of them have children under the age of 18. The age range for participants is 21 to 66 years.

In addition to issues of drug abuse many of these clients have mental health issues and some are infected with HIV. For many, this is program of last resort. The author explains that To be admitted, clients must also have a substance abuse problem and a history of unsuccessful completion of other programs (Program Procedures Manual 1993). Therefore, all of the program's clients have received services in various inpatient and outpatient mental health units and clinics in the past, where the primary focus was on their psychiatric disorders. Only 17% have received services in substance abuse programs for the general population, and only 3% have been in other MICA programs (Freeman 2001).