Critical issues in treatment and intervention effectiveness

Treatment Efficacy

Do treatments and other interventions work? Some critical issues

Despite the common nature of drug addiction, and despite the considerable amount of research that has been conducted on the topic, addiction remains one of the most treatment-resistant psychological conditions. According to Manuella Adrian, the problem of addiction is not new -- nor is the desire to treat the problem. Alcohol abusers are estimated to comprise at least 10% of all drinkers in Canada and illegal drug use is manifest in 5% of the population (Adrian, 2001, pp. 1761-1762). Treatments span from programs focusing on immediate medical stabilization; in-patient 'drying out;' going to meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous, and also drug therapies to reduce withdrawal systems and cravings. The cost of alcoholism is high -- but so are the costs of treatment and almost all types of treatment have a high rate of relapse.

According to Adrian, it is the interaction between the client and a positive, optimistic therapist that determines treatment efficacy. Yet many advocates of AA and group-based support therapies might disagree. For them, it is the peer support of those who have 'been there before' that is most valuable. No treatment strategy, however, is 100% effective, which is one reason that governments have tended to emphasize prevention and mitigation of harm in their legislative strategies to combat alcohol and drug abuse, through anti-drunk driving campaigns, for example, and mandatory age limits on alcohol consumption (Adrian, 2001, pp. 1761-1762). Age restrictions, allowing drug testing at work, and having community-based drug education plans in school are all preventative activities that have risen in popularity.

Treatment and prevention, to be effective, must be highly individualized. The reasons that individuals become addicted to alcohol and drugs are complex and personal. Biological responsiveness to the 'pleasure-stimulating' nature of certain drugs may be a factor. Being part of a community where drug abuse is accepted is another. And on a personal level, a lack of hope and belief in the possibilities of change in the future can also make drugs seem like an easy way to escape from reality. Alcohol and drug abuse is not limited to any socioeconomic category, race, religion, or gender. Finding the right drug, the right type of support group, and the right type of intervention can be a long and difficult process. For example, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) offers special resources for recently-deployed combat officers, teens, and even obese individuals, all of which are tailored to meet the different challenges that life circumstances, age of life, or biology can pose that predispose an individual to addictive behaviors or affect an addict's treatment plan.