Effective Addiction Treatment

Many people addicted to drugs and alcohol have managed to overcome their addictions and stay clean, with the help of very structured organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous as well as thousands of residential and outpatient clinics devoted to treating addiction. However, many other addicts have failed at achieving sobriety… and it is most likely not their fault. Out of the 23.5 million people addicted to drugs and alcohol, 10% get treatment, and treatment too often fails to keep them drug free. A common reason for relapse is that proven methods dealing with the addiction causes aren't being used. "Inside Rehab" is a revealing new book by Anne Fletcher, a science writer whose previous books include the highly acclaimed "Sober for Good." Of the many thousands of treatment programs out there, most use exactly the same kind of treatment you would have received in 1950- not modern scientific approaches, says A. Thomas McLellan, co-founder of the Treatment Research Institute in Philadelphia. Recent examinations of treatment programs show the use of outdated methods rather than newer, scientifically validated approaches, and under-qualified professionals in the rehabilitation programs. A program's personnel should have at least a Master's Degree, Ms. Fletcher says. If the therapist is a physician, he or she should be certified by the American Board of Addiction Medicine. Meeting with the therapist who will be treating you is key, since this will allow you to get the details of the treatment plan and make sure the program is the right fit for you. The program should include more than movies, lectures or three-hour classes three times a week, Ms. Fletcher says. Treatment should come from a licensed addiction counselor who will see you one-on-one. Most importantly, treatment needs to be individualized; one size does not fit all. Programs using cognitive behavioral therapy are particularly effective, because they help recognize the cause of drug use and help addicts learn to redirect their thoughts and actions away from the abused substance.

The New York Times, 2/5/2013