Regardless of your age, routine screenings for substance use disorders should be as common as basic health checks. These screenings should take place in primary care and other medical and behavioral health settings. Following the screenings, guidance on reducing substance use, family education, and regular check-ins with healthcare providers should be provided. If symptoms of a substance use disorder are detected, a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan should be offered by a healthcare provider.
Why it matters: Routine screenings for substance use disorders in healthcare settings help prevent, treat, and support recovery from addiction. Normalizing discussions about substance misuse in medical and behavioral health settings is crucial.
Treatment facilities should tailor their approaches to accommodate the unique needs of each patient. One-size-fits-all treatment is not effective.
Why it matters: Personalized care takes into account individual differences and helps individuals stay engaged in treatment, follow their treatment plans, and achieve better health outcomes.
Individuals should have prompt access to treatment when they are ready to seek help. Treatment facilities should provide immediate services that meet the individual’s needs and set them up for long-term success.
Why it matters: Addiction alters the brain, and starting treatment as soon as an individual is ready can lead to more successful outcomes.
Addiction treatment should not be a one-time event but rather involve long-term management and follow-up care. Treatment should encompass a “cascade of care,” including prevention, identification, treatment, and recovery.
Why it matters: While some individuals may require intensive services initially, lower levels of outpatient care should always follow to support lasting recovery. Needs may change over time, and regular check-ins with healthcare providers are important to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.
Treatment plans should address both addiction and any co-occurring mental and physical health conditions. Treatment facilities should offer comprehensive services or collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure patients receive all necessary care.
Why it matters: Individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders often have other mental or physical health concerns. Coordinated care improves overall health outcomes by addressing all aspects of a person’s well-being.
Treatment facilities should offer proven behavioral therapies that effectively manage and treat addiction, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and family behavior therapy.
Why it matters: Evidence-based behavioral health therapies help individuals recognize their substance use disorder, increase motivation for treatment, and support long-term recovery when delivered by trained healthcare providers.
Treatment providers should explore the possibility of medication as an option for treating substance use disorders. FDA-approved medications, when appropriate, can be an effective part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Why it matters: Medications, when prescribed and monitored correctly, have been shown to prevent overdose and contribute to positive health outcomes. They are most effective when combined with behavioral health therapies and ongoing healthcare provider support.
Successful treatment involves addressing external factors that can impact recovery, such as housing, employment, and personal relationships. Treatment facilities should connect individuals with recovery support services that offer emotional and practical support.
Why it matters: Addressing factors like housing, employment, and relationships enhances the likelihood of maintaining recovery. Treatment facilities should provide resources and assistance in accessing community support services.
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