SPS Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs: Research on Continued Treatment for Substance Use Disorder is Lacking, Authors Find
SPS Updates
When it comes to the phenomenon of relapse, more studies are needed on the effects of continuing treatment beyond the acute phases, say the authors of an article in the latest SPS Section Connection newsletter for Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs.
“Beyond the Acute: Failure to Address the Need for Continued Treatment for Substance Use Disorder” notes the literature reviewed uncovered many interventions used in short-term continuing care treatment and within acute phase programs.
“The most significant piece that the literature brings forth is the overwhelming need for peer support specialists in treatment programs,” the article says.
The authors are Derrick Freeman, PhD, EdD, ACSW, associate professor of social work at Southern University at New Orleans Millie M. Charles School of Social Work; and Nickolous Harrison and Patrice Juluke, students at the same school.
They explain the research was focused on programs designed for acute treatment. Although much of the literature acknowledges the mental, emotional and behavioral maladaptive traits of people with substance use disorder (SUD), it offers no solution on how those conditions should be addressed beyond the acute stage, the authors note. One surprising finding is the lack of strict definitions of relapse and remission.
SUD is a chronic, relapsing disorder, the authors explain. “Nevertheless, many of the existing SUD treatments remain based on an acute care model centered on clinical stabilization, and then the client is discharged; the longer-term needs fail to be addressed for individuals who seek recovery from addiction (remission state). The high rates of client disengagement and attrition in the continuum of care emphasize the need to recognize and overcome the difficulties that individuals face at each stage of the treatment and recovery process.”
SUD interventions that trained professional social workers or addiction practitioners provide can make a profound impact on the lives of individuals, families and communities affected by addiction, the article says. “Such interventions can help people navigate difficult life situations and can provide the tools and insights to manage their behavioral health issues,” the authors say. “SUD treatment empowers people to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Trained professional social workers or addiction practitioners’ treatment services must be client centered—that is, they must actively consider the individual client’s culture.”