Approaches to Treatment of Chemical Dependency

Chemical dependency is fast becoming one of the major social issues in the United States. There are three major approaches to chemical dependency: The Master Treatment Plan approach, Matching the Level of Care approach, and the 12-Step approach. Each approach confronts chemical dependency differently but all strive for the same goal: to have the patient live a chemical-free lifestyle.

Master Treatment Plan

• The Master Treatment Plan approach focuses on issues that are happening at the moment. Patients usually enroll at an in-patient facility or a residential treatment center. Whether the patient is going through detox or is in the denial stage of addiction, the issue at hand is treated first, such as immediate detoxification or a behavioral issue occurring at the moment.This approach uses reality therapy where the patient concentrates on their responsibility in the community and their behavior. Experiential therapy is applied to patients when there is an unresolved issue in their past that might warrant their escape from it through chemicals. Cognitive therapy is utilized when there is a cognitive impairment that accompanies the addiction.

  This approach also uses gender-specific groups and leisure therapy, where relationship issues can be explored and the patient can learn to have fun in life without using chemicals. At the end, family workshops are presented so that the patient knows that their dependency has affected family members, loved ones, and friends.

Matching the Level of Care

• The matching-the-level-of-care approach is unique because it creates an individual program for the client. This approach looks at what the patient needs in terms of detoxification and relapse prevention and how much care it will take to meet those needs. Some of the leveled care includes relapse-prevention training, 12-step principles, and cognitive restructuring. Relapse prevention training includes group therapy, support groups, and family therapy and education. Cognitive restructuring contains treatments that deal with the mental illness of the patient that include psychiatric disorders and emotional and behavioral health syndromes. The time-proven 12-step program is also introduced to give the patient a structured, leveled plan so that they can see the progress they have made.

The 12-Step Approach

• The 12-Step approach has been used extensively to cure alcoholics and has, within the last few decades, been utilized for chemical dependency recovery. Using the 12-step program is an individual choice and though the individual has group and individual support, the occurrence of relapse is up to the individual, which differs from the previous treatment options. Though considered spiritual in nature, the program allows the patient to see that they are not alone and that they can control their behaviors. Most 12-step program participants attend daily, weekly, or monthly meetings where they can meet other people who have a substance abuse problem. Through testimonials and strategies the patient becomes part of a mini-community of people that are striving toward a single purpose of remaining sober. A major part of the program is to have a sponsor who will help guide the patient through the process. The patient is urged to go through each step. In each step they learn how to ask the right questions about themselves and to give the answers about their issues honestly.