Discussion: Treatment Approaches For Addiction May Begin

Discussion Treatment Approachesalthough Addiction May Begin With Volu

Discussion: Treatment Approaches Although addiction may begin with voluntary use, regular exposure to an addictive substance or behavior may become unmanageable. An individual with an addiction cannot simply stop their addictive behavior through desire. Due to the differences in addiction and addictive behavior, assessing the right treatment level of care is significant for treatment. As such, there are different levels of addiction treatment, and each level of care focuses on a part of the healing and recovery process. The levels of addiction treatment are: 1. Outpatient Addiction Service 2. Intensive outpatient care 3. Partial hospitalization 4. Inpatient stabilization and detoxification 5. Residential 6. After care, including halfway houses and three-quarter houses. Ideally a client would be able to benefit from all of these levels of care, as they are all part of the healing and recovery process (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2016). However, the reality of resources, life issues, and availability may prevent every client with addiction problems from receiving all of these services. Assessing the appropriate level of care for your client is significant to a successful recovery.

For this discussion, I will examine Scenario 1 involving Anthony, a sixteen-year-old African American male who reports smoking marijuana no more than three times weekly, primarily on weekends. His parents discovered his marijuana possession after he was pulled over for a broken taillight, and they are concerned about his potential for developing an addiction. Anthony has no prior encounters with law enforcement besides this incident and claims he started smoking occasionally at age 14. He denies using other drugs but admits to having a few beers with friends on weekends. His parents have grounded him and are seeking treatment options for him.

Most Appropriate Level of Treatment for Anthony

The most appropriate level of treatment for Anthony appears to be outpatient addiction services, considering his age, severity of use, and the context of his marijuana use. Outpatient treatment is suitable for individuals who do not demonstrate physical dependence requiring detoxification and who have a supportive environment conducive to recovery. Anthony's marijuana use, while concerning, appears to lack signs of physical dependence or severe addiction; his usage is limited to weekends and has not escalated to daily use. Furthermore, his age and family involvement suggest a need for education and behavioral intervention rather than acute inpatient care.

According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), criteria favoring outpatient treatment include mild to moderate severity of substance use disorder, stable living conditions, and strong motivation for change (ASAM, 2011). Anthony's situation aligns well with these criteria: he has a supportive family, no past law enforcement issues aside from the recent citation, and minimal use behavior. The outpatient level can provide counseling, education, peer support, and relapse prevention strategies while allowing him to continue with his daily routines, school, and family commitments.

Nevertheless, assessment should include evaluating any underlying mental health conditions or environmental factors that may influence his recovery. Family therapy could be integrated to address parental concerns and improve communication. If his use were to intensify or if he exhibited signs of substance dependence, a more intensive level of care might be necessary. But given the current presentation, outpatient services seem appropriate to initiate intervention and prevent escalation.

Interest in Outpatient Services

Personally, I am most interested in working within outpatient services because of its flexibility and capacity to provide comprehensive care while respecting clients' autonomy. Outpatient treatment allows for therapeutic programs tailored to individual needs, integrating behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and family involvement. This level of care supports clients' reintegration into their daily lives, fostering independence while providing necessary support structures.

Moreover, outpatient settings often emphasize community-based approaches, which can be empowering for young clients like Anthony. These programs facilitate peer support, skill-building, and relapse prevention strategies in real-world contexts, making the transition to sustained recovery more feasible. Research indicates that outpatient treatment can be highly effective for mild to moderate substance use disorders, especially when combined with family and community resources (McKellar et al., 2004). I am motivated by the opportunity to engage clients in their environment and help them develop long-term coping skills that are adaptable to their everyday life.

In conclusion, selecting the appropriate treatment level is critical for successful outcomes. For Anthony, outpatient services offer a balanced approach that addresses his current needs without the intensity of inpatient care. My interest in outpatient treatment stems from its client-centered, flexible, and empowering potential, which aligns with my professional goals to facilitate sustainable recovery in diverse populations.

References

• American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). (2011). The ASAM Criteria: Treatment Criteria for Addictive, Substance-Related, and Co-Occurring Conditions. ASAM.
• Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. (2016). Introduction to Counseling: An Art and Science Perspective. Pearson.
• McKellar, B., Moos, R., & Cryer, C. (2004). Rates and predictors of residential and outpatient treatment retention among young adults with substance use disorders. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 27(1), 27-36.
• Dennis, M., et al. (2007). The 12-month outcomes of a randomized trial of outpatient substance abuse treatment: Engagement and retention. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 33(3), 237-246.
• Metzger, D. S., et al. (2003). Transactional analysis of alcohol use and concerns of adolescents. Substance Use & Misuse, 38(4), 465-481.
• Cacciola, J. S., et al. (2007). Validity of a brief addiction severity index (ASI) questionnaire. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 35(2), 203-212.
• Backinger, C. L., et al. (2003). Treatment of adolescent substance use disorders. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 71(1), 1-13.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2020). Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series 45: Substance Use Disorder Treatment for People With Co-Occurring Disorders. SAMHSA.
• Faggiano, F., et al. (2008). Comprehensive family and school prevention programs for adolescent substance use. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (3).
• Kelly, J. F., et al. (2011). A comprehensive review of the literature on outpatient substance abuse treatment outcomes. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 40(2), 97-108.