Principles of Effective Treatment

1

Principles of Effective Treatment Drug addiction is a multifaceted mental health disorder typified by intense, uncontrollable, and intensive drug-seeking and drug-use behavior that persists despite understanding the devastating consequences (NIH, 2018). The National Institute on Drug Abuse has constituted the treatment principles to help the drug addiction menace and improve people's lives. These principles provide a firm ground for professionals, family members, and other health stakeholders to treat and care for those struggling with drug addiction (NIH, 2018).

The first principle, as highlighted by NIDA (2022), states that there is no single intervention that addresses the health needs of all individuals. This principle indicates that specific addiction interventions generate different outcomes in different individuals. This principle encourages health professionals to manipulate treatment settings and interventions to address most clients' health needs. The second principle states that treatment must be readily available to achieve positive outcomes (NIDA, 2022). Compliance with treatment is affected if clients do not have unobstructed access. The third principle notes that for the treatment to be effective, it must address multiple health needs of an individual, not just the drug-related problems.

The treatment plan must incorporate the medical, social, and psychological problems of a person. The fourth principle acknowledges the flexibility of treatment (NIDA, 2020). This principle state that the treatment must address the changing needs of the client. The fifth principle states that a person must remain in treatment for a substantial period. The treatment period is determined by the person’s needs and situational dynamics. Individual, group and behavioral therapies are integral elements of effective treatment for addiction (NIDA, 2020).

These therapies replace inappropriate behaviors with proper behaviors, thus boosting

2

interpersonal relationships. Medications are also integral elements of addiction treatment as highlighted by principle seven of effective treatment (NIDA, 2022). Medications help patients overcome dependence on illicit substances and inappropriately used prescription drugs.

The eighth principle recommends using an integrated approach to treat addiction and coexisting mental disorders. This principle also notes that patients with addiction should be assessed for other disorders due to the high possibility of comorbidity (NIDA, 2022). The first stage of treating addiction and substance use disorder is detoxification. Although this procedure does not address long-term problems, it helps manage acute withdrawal symptoms. It provides the ground for the effective treatment of addiction (NIDA, 2022). The tenth principle states that for the treatment to achieve a positive result, it does not need to be un-forced. Health professionals can use enticements to boost treatment entry, compliance, and success.

Another critical aspect of effective treatment is that all patients using medications for the first time must be closely monitored. Continuous monitoring helps mental health providers identify changes in physical health and use these changes to discourage the client from using illicit substances (NIDA, 2020). Close monitoring also enables health professionals to modify treatment. The twelfth principle clarifies that effective treatment programs should include assessment for infectious diseases such as TB, HIV/AIDS, and Hepatitis (NIDA, 2020). Patient counseling should also be included to assist patients in discontinuing inappropriate behaviors that increase infection risks. The final principle emphasizes that recovery from addiction does not occur instantly. It requires long-term and frequent treatment episodes. Multiple treatments help deal with health situations, including potential relapse to drugs. The client must also be enrolled in support groups to help sustain abstinence.

3

4

References NIH (2018). Drug addiction is a complex illness. www.drugabuse.gov/PODAT/podatindex.html NIDA (2022). Thirteen Principles of Effective Drug Addiction Treatment. https://archives.drugabuse.gov/news-events/nida-notes/1999/12/thirteen-principleseffective-drug-addiction-treatment NIDA. (2020). Principles of Effective Treatment. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/principlesdrug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/principles-effectivetreatment