Substance Abuse Treatment Paper
Introduction
Substance abuse is common, especially among the youths, where the individuals continuously use the drugs despite the physical, social, and psychological harm. In addition, the use of these substances leads to criminal penalties, which vary depending on the regional laws and jurisdictions. Most of these substances of abuse are very addictive, further worsening their impacts. Due to the adverse effects of these abuse substances, different treatment modalities have been developed to help those affected by these substances regain their normal functioning and improve their health statuses.
Contemporary Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment Strategies
A contemporary approach to treating substance abuse and addiction is one of the best ways of achieving the best outcomes in terms of recovery of those patients affected by these substances. It requires the counselors to have a deeper understanding and compassion for the affected individual since this kind of compassion is necessary for enhancing the client’s recovery. Many addicts and those abusing these substances usually experience guilt, shame, embarrassment, and terror. Some also started using substances as a result of difficult and depressing moments in their lives. A contemporary approach will enable the counselors to analyze the clients’ behaviors, which might have made them start abusing these substances (Van Wormer & Davis, 2016). This will help them develop ways that could help them modify their behaviors and change the underlying thinking processes that lead to that behavior.
TheseThese strategies include; motivational incentives such as rewarding good behaviors, for instance, passing drug screening tests. Replacing the biological reward of using the substance with a reward for performing good behaviors will help the individuals curb the addiction and reach sobriety milestones. Secondly, creating a social support network will also help as the individuals learn from the experiences of other addicts. This approach also involves advising the client on the importance of avoiding stress, which could lead them to use such substances, and encouraging them to engage in other activities that help distract their minds. Using this approach and the strategies outlined, the counselor can determine the factors that compel the clients to abuse such drugs (Van Wormer & Davis, 2016). They can then develop a way of addressing those factors in an understanding and caring manner to enhance client outcomes.
Comparison of Treatment Strategies for Various Correctional Facilities
Various treatment strategies help ensure better outcomes for affected individuals in correctional facilities. These strategies vary depending on the client’s needs and how they were affected by these substances. These strategies include; drug abuse education which is essential in determining the affected individuals who require further programming. The second strategy involves Nonresidential Drug Abuse Treatment conducted on offenders with short sentences and who are transitioning to the community (Kratcoski, 2017). In addition, Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) is also used as one of the strategies and is also considered the most intensive treatment program. Studies indicate that individuals who undergo this program have decreased chances of relapse upon their release from the correctional facilities. Community Treatment Services (CTS) is also a helpful strategy in ensuring the success of the treatment plan, as it provides continuous monitoring and support immediately after release, as most individuals are likely to relapse during this period. Cognitive behavior treatment is an essential strategy in the treatment of these individuals, as it helps evaluate and understand the individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and how they contribute towards substance abuse.
A Treatment Strategy for a Specified Correctional Population
There are different classes of individuals incarcerated for committing various crimes. This population requires different treatment strategies since their needs also differ. An example of a correctional population, in this case, is the offenders incarcerated due to crimes committed after drug and substance abuse. Kratcoski (2017) states that the treatment strategy helpful in this group is the Community Treatment Services (CTS). It will ensure continuous monitoring of these individuals even after their release to prevent relapse cases that return them to their original behaviors.
Legal and Ethical Challenges Faced By Corrections Professionals in the Treatment of Addiction
Corrections professionals face ethical and legal issues while treating patients with addictions in this setting (Van Voorhis & Salisbury, 2016). The professionals are mandated with the duty of ensu