Introduction
Substance abuse is a common problem in today's society, especially among teenagers. There are many programs designed to help people recover from substance abuse and improve their overall well-being. However, some of these programs are ineffective in addressing this issue.
This article centers on enhancing substance abuse programs for offenders by employing effective strategies. Behavioral intervention has been proven successful in promoting active participation in recovery and resistance to drug use (George Mason University, 2009). To effectively implement these approaches, therapists should provide incentives that encourage abstinence and facilitate changes in behaviors and attitudes related to drug abuse. Additionally, incentives can also aid families in improving communication, interpersonal interactions, developing life skills, and addressing environmental factors that trigger drug cravings.
Various therapies are used to treat substance abuse, including group therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, contingency management, and mo
...tivational enhancement therapy (Taxman, 2009). Family-based approaches can also involve parents, siblings, and sometimes friends in the treatment process. The involvement of the family is important because the person seeking help typically lives with their parents and is influenced by their rules, controls, and support (Marlowe, 2009). These approaches aim to address various issues while specifically targeting substance abuse in young individuals.
Multiple family-related issues, such as conflict, communication, mental health, work or school attendance problems, learning disorders, and peer networks are addressed by family-based approaches in the enhancement of treatment programs for substance abuse. According to research, these approaches are more effective than alternative methods in treating substance abuse. Therefore, it is recommended to incorporate these approaches into both outpatient and residential treatment programs. Some examples of family-based therapeutic approaches include family behavior therapy, multi-systemic therapy, and functional family therap
(George Mason University, 2009).
Addiction medications play a crucial role in enhancing substance abuse programs for offenders. Healthcare professionals should administer medications to individuals addicted to substances like alcohol and opioids (McVay, Schiraldi, ; Ziedenberg, 2004). For example, methadone facilitates the prevention of withdrawal symptoms and reduces substance cravings. In essence, addiction medication effectively treats individuals with substance addictions, thereby enhancing substance abuse programs. When utilized appropriately, these medications have the potential to improve such programs.
A one size fits all approaches would not be the best to consider due to the issues of financial constraint and the specific needs of individuals. The right treatment should be provided till recovery failure to which the drugs abusers would continue with the same behavior, and this may be costly in the long-run. Further, different drug abusers require tailored treatment. The needs of different individuals are unique, and hence a one size fits all approaches may not improve the programs for substance abuse (Pearson ; Lipton, 1999).
Conclusion
Different options are available for improving programs for substance abuse. Such approaches include behavioral, family-based and addiction medications.
A personalized approach may be more beneficial as everyone's needs are different.
References
- Marlowe, D. (2009). Evidence-Based Sentencing for Drug Offenders: An Analysis of Prognostic Risks and Criminogenic Needs. Chapman Journal of Criminal Justice, 167-204.
- McVay, D., Schiraldi, V., & Ziedenberg, J. (2004). National and State Findings on the Efficacy and. 1-13.
- Pearson, F., & Lipton, D.
(1999). A Meta-Analytic Review Of The Effectiveness Of Corrections-Based Treatments For Drug Abuse. The Prison Journal, 411. Taxman, F. (2009). Unraveling What Works For Offenders In Substance Abuse Treatment Services.
National Drug Court
Institute Review, 91-134.
University, G. M. (2009). Drug Treatment for Offenders: Evidence-Based Criminal Justice and Treatment Practices, 1-12.
