Substance use disorder is defined as a maladaptive patter of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. Clients with a substance use problem may continue to use the substance despite social and interpersonal problems or legal consequences related to the substance. In addition, individuals who meet the criteria for substance use disorder may use substances in physically hazardous situations and fail to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.
Tolerance and withdrawal are two characteristics of substance use disorder. Tolerance occurs when the effect of a particular dosage of a substance is lessened because of repeated exposure to the substance. Withdrawal indicated physical dependence on a substance. if the substance is not present in the body, an individual with substance dependence may experience symptoms such as irritability, sleep disturbance, headaches, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, strokes, or death.
Tolerance and withdrawal are two characteristics of substance use disorder. Tolerance occurs when the effect of a particular dosage of a substance is lessened because of repeated exposure to the substance. Withdrawal indicated physical dependence on a substance. if the substance is not present in the body, an individual with substance dependence may experience symptoms such as irritability, sleep disturbance, headaches, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, strokes, or death.
Treatment Approaches:
Medical Model:
Proponents of the medical model view addiction as a chronic and progressive disease. Research provides evidence that a biological basis or genetic predisposition for addition exists. Treatment based on the medical model may include detoxification or medical stabilization, reduction of withdrawal symptoms, the prescription of medications, and intensive therapy designed to increase coping skills and prevent relapse. |
Twelve Step Model
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the original 12 step program. The 12 step model of AA includes a spiritual component, but the model is not affiliated with any religion or religious organization. Members support one another. Members believe they are in recovery from alcoholism, and that they will always be addicted to alcohol, so they must take sobriety one day at a time for the rest of their lives. |
Strengths-Based Approaches
These are an alternative to the medical model. The goal is harm reduction, or minimization of the social, legal, and medical problems associated with unmanaged addiction. Total absence is one of the many methods of harm reduction. Learning to control substance use is also considered a valid goal of treatment. Other characteristics include an emphasis on personal choice of the client: viewing the client as a competent person with many positive assets, the cultivation of hope, meaning, and a sense of accomplishment. |