Despite the dominance and prevalence of abstinence-focused treatment, there is an increasing interest in treatment alternatives that emphasize goals other than abstinence. The interventions include controlled drinking, based on harm reduction and moderation management philosophy. This approach emphasizes the notion that dangerous and excessive use of alcohol or other addictive substances can be changed and reduced to modest consumption. The traditional, abstinence-focused addiction treatment believes that recovery is only possible if the addictive substance is completely removed from the life of the individual it affects. This model is rooted in the concept of addiction as a progressive, chronic and fatal disease that emphasizes inevitable …show more content…
It does not require commitment to an abstinence, but it does accept temperance as ideal outcome of the treatment. From a moderation management perspective, certain behavior is inevitable. Harm reduction or controlled drinking model focus on minimizing harmful consequences of this behavior as best as possible. It is a more pragmatic, realistic and compassionate model than ‘all-or-nothing’ approach to addiction treatment. the proponents of controlled drinking believe, and I do too, that alcohol use, misuse and abuse lie on a continuum rather than exist in a dual state (drinking or abstinence) rooted in a disease model of addiction. By rejecting the ‘zero tolerance’ massage, sent by abstinence-focused treatment programs, moderation management accepts the reality and inevitability of addictive behaviors. It gives people choices and encourages more individuals with addiction problem to seek help. By offering them options, people are more likely to stay in treatment and become motivated to make changes in their drinking patterns, either in the form of moderation or …show more content…
We need to provide patients with the choice and respect their decisions. Treatment should be individualized, based on the unique characteristics of each client and his specific needs, and outcome should be a joint effort between the patient and the therapist. The role of the counselor is to be present, supportive, open, flexible, to motivate and be and agent of change. It is the client who needs to determine whether or not a controlled drinking strategy is the best approach for his or her
In the book, Addiction & Grace: Love and Spirituality in the Healing of Addictions, May explores how addiction develops and can be treated from a psychological, physiological, and spiritual standpoint. This theme is clearly shown throughout the text as it shows addiction from a whole person's perspective. The book covers the development of addiction from desire through the experience of addiction. The key focus is on looking at the matter of addiction from multiple stand points then broken down by explaining how addiction is an issue psychologically, physiologically, and spiritually. By focusing on these three areas, the author is able to present the reader with a clear understanding of addiction from all sides of the problem.
...ives from the implementation of an empathic, hopeful continuous treatment relationship, which provides integrated treatment and coordination of care through the course of multiple treatment episodes” (Watkins, 2015). Whether, confronted with a substance use disorder, gambling or sex addiction the way in which a counselor work with the client in an open helpful manner is the key to motivating the client to change their behaviors. “A man convinced against his will, Is of the same opinion still” (Carnegie, 1981). The most piece of the helping relationship is that the client is the lead in their care, as they are the ones that will be making the decisions for their care. A counselor is essentially a trained skillful teacher that guides an individual toward their best recovery options and it is up to the individual to make the needed changes in their life and behaviors.
A review of the literature reveals no clear-cut definition of harm reduction. Most experts are in agreement, however, that the primary emphasis of harm reduction strategies is to reduce the health, social, and economic consequences associated with alcohol and drug use. Implicitly or explicitly, complete abstinence is the goal of the vast majority of substance abuse service providers (MacMaster, 2004). Although harm reduction strategies value completely refraining from addictive substances, the approach embraces a wide range of goals not limited to abstinence. The harm reduction model employs strategies for extending the scope of treatment to substance users for whom abstinence oriented treatment may not be appropriate. When people are unwilling or unable to embrace abstinence, alternatives to abstinence based treatment have been shown to increase the well-being of both individuals and communities.
Moderation just doesn't work. I can tell myself, "I'll only have 2 drinks" and next thing you know I've had 8 or 10 and I'm going home with some strange guy I just met. I'll wake up the next day and wonder why the hell I did that. Once I start I really can't stop. The obsession is that bad. I suppose it's a disease, if you want to call it that. It's definitely some sort of disorder. Many alcoholics have tried that, including myself, and its torture. Counting your drinks, panicking when you know you've reached the limit for the night, crying or getting violently angry that you need to stop and go home or try to go to sleep. It just doesn't work.” (Pico) Just as he said, it’s very difficult to drink moderately or be a responsible drinker without any consequences. It may work for some patients but it’s not an easy habit to break. Some of the things a person should do if they want help is to look closely at the patterns and triggers in their lives that led to overdrinking. Then they will need to put plans in place to avoid these causes or to learn how to deal with them and set limits on your drinking. It’s also recommended to take on a moderation plan abstain for a month. Finally, it helps to have support from your family members and friends or even support groups. Becoming alcohol dependent, is very difficult to stop drinking without assistance and
People argue whether drug addiction is a disease or a choice. Today, I will be discussing this argument in hopes to have a better understanding as to why this topic is so controversial. Throughout my research, I easily found information on this topic and I am still not sure I have found any answers.
With such statistical information it is unsurprising that governments have not fully embraced the harm reduction concept, with some countries reverting back to older methods. For instance, Canada is on the verge of closing the dangerous In-site injection facility in Vancouver and reallocating funds to traditional inpatient treatment--real treatment that promotes eventual abstinence. One can conclude that the effectiveness of harm reduction is a very questionable topic as not only does it aid in offender substance abuse, but at what cost. The topic of harm reduction provokes a deeper thought, what happened to prevention methods and what about them is not working?
Overcoming an addiction to alcohol can be a long and bumpy road. Many people feel that it is impossible to overcome an alcohol addiction. Many people feel that is it easier to be an addict than to be a recovering addict. However, recovering from alcoholism is possible if one is ready to seek the help and support they need on their road to recovery. Recovery is taking the time to regain one’s normal mind, health and strength. Recovery is process. It takes time to stop the alcohol cravings and pressure to drink. For most, rehab and professional help is needed, while others can stop drinking on their own. Recovery never ends. After rehab, professional help or quitting on your own, many people still need help staying sober. A lot of time, recovering
According to Leshner, drug addiction is a chronic brain disease that is expressed in the form of compulsive behaviors (Leshner, 2001). He believes that drug addiction is influence by both biological, and behavioral factors, and to solve this addiction problem we need to focus on these same factors. On the other hand, Neil Levy argues that addiction is not a brain disease rather it is a behavioral disorder embedded in social context (Levy, 2013). I believe, drug addiction is a recurring brain disease that can be healed when we alter and eliminate all the factors that are reinforcing drug addiction.
Nobody denies that every client and situation is unique, but there is a general layout out of a treatment plan that can be used thought out the facility to ensure success for the client. The first step in the treatment plan is to screen clients to determine if he/she meets the criteria of the facilities drug, or alcohol program. The facility will use the standard CAGE, of the Substance Abuse Subtitle Screening Inventory questioner as a screening tool. These two screening tools are consist of few questions and require only short answers to determine (American Society of Addiction Medicine, 2012). These tools are easy to use and can be done by any qualified staff according to the ASAM. If more through information is needed then the client will go under an assessment.
After reading about the abstinence experience assignment, giving up the daytime show “The Young and the Restless” came to mind. However, my immediate answer to myself was “no way.” I attempted to think of something else that would be more difficult. I find it odd that dieting did not come to mind during my pre-contemplation stage. I kept trying to come up with something other than giving up my favorite show. I attempted to minimize the impact that missing the show would have on me by telling myself that the Young and the Restless show really is not be a big deal ; I needed to find something else that would give me a true feel for what a person who is attempting to abstain from drug use would experience. However, I decided that giving up the Young and the Restless Show would be very difficult for me. After all I have watched the Young and the Restless show since I was in the 6th grade. I remember lying on the hallway floor and hiding beside my grandparents couch to secretly watch the show. My parents and grandparents did not allow children to watch these types of shows. I debated for several days and changed my start date twice. Finally, I began the abstinence experience on July 10, 2010. July 10, 2010 is a Saturday; I usually watch any shows that I missed during the week on Saturday’s.
A person that realizes his problem with alcohol has made an important step towards recovery. Next, they must choose the way in which he rehabilitates himself. One option is one-on-one counseling with a psychologist, alcohol counselor, etc. From the point, alternatives like group meetings or medication may be suggested. Also, a serious alcohol-dependency problem may need special attention in a recovery center. Another option is completely being independent in the sobering process. Often times these alternatives are used in a combination or in a series for more effectiveness.
The problem of alcohol abuse has been recognized for thousands of years, but only more recently have we begun to see alcohol addiction as a treatable disorder. According to the Classical Disease Model of `Alcoholism,' habitual use of alcohol can be identified as a disease. Webster's Dictionary defines the concept of `disease' as follows: "Any departure from health presenting marked symptoms; malady; illness; disorder." Therefore, as many occurrences of alcohol excess provoke such symptoms, it is somewhat understandable that `alcoholism' is classified as a disease. The Classical Disease Model appears to offer a hopeful option. Treatment and sobriety can allow people to lead fulfilling lives. Adjacent to the notion of alcoholism as personal failure or moral deterioration, the Classical Disease Model appears to be a more desirable concept as it provides a motive for the alcoholic to seek treatment and gain sympathy, minimizing personal guilt. As alcoholism is seen as a progressive and, to an extent, hereditary illness for which those afflicted are not accountable, victims avoid being ostracized from society (Jellinek, 1960). Labeling the problem as a `disease' allows the medical profession to take responsibility for the treatment of alcoholism, which puts the problem in a more favourable light than if it were in the hands of psychologists or social workers, thus detaching the stigma connected with the problem while it is put on a par with other diseases such as diabetes or cancer. However, critics of the Classical Disease Model believe stigma helps reduce alcohol problems and aids the alcoholic. Any effort to reduce the stigma which is faced by the alcoholic will reduce pressures to moderate consumption and could have the additional ...
Drinking alcohol is associated with many adverse health problems in the short and long-term. These include cancer, stroke, heart disease, miscarriage, premature birth and unintentional injuries. Despite the fact that alcohol brings many negative impacts, many people still choose to drink and do not overcome their drinking habit. They have been successfully seduced by alcohol until drinking has become their addiction. However, some of them try to quit drinking, but they still cannot break the addiction. Basically, quitting alcohol is difficult and almost impossible for them because of brain-craving, lack of belief and support, and weak willpower.
“Motivational interviewing was introduced by Dr. William R. Miller in 1983, to help problem drinkers prepare for treatment and has been developed in collaboration with Dr. Stephen Rollnick. Motivational interviewing is a client centered directive method of communication for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by helping people to explore and work through ambivalence. (Miller &Rollnick,2002).” This definition simply means that motivational interviewing is a method that uses the techniques taught by Carl Rodgers, such as empathy, positive regard, and congruence all of which lead to a collaborative relationship between the counselor and the client. This supportive and collaborative relationship will enable the client to open up and have honest discussions with the counselor. Therefore, the counselor will be able to help the client recognize:
...y therapy in the treatment of alcohol-related problems: A review of behavioural family therapy, family systems theraphy and treatment matching research. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, (17)3, 13-23.