10 Conclusions supported by addiction science; 10 Implications for Substance Abuse Treatment Systems

1. 10 Conclusions Supported by Addiction Science Drug Use is Chosen Behavior

2. 10 Conclusions Supported by Addiction Science Drug Problems Emerge Gradually and Occur Along a Continuum of Severity

3. 10 Conclusions Supported by Addiction Science Once Well Established – Drug Use Problems Tend to Become Self-Perpetuating

4. 10 Conclusions Supported by Addiction Science Motivation is Central to Prevention and Intervention

5. 10 Conclusions Supported by Addiction Science Drug Using Behavior Responds to Social Reinforcement

6. 10 Conclusions Supported by Addiction Science Drug Use Problems Do Not Occur in Isolation, But as Part of Clusters of Problems

7. 10 Conclusions Supported by Addiction Science There are Identifiable Risk and Protective Factors

8. 10 Conclusions Supported by Addiction Science Drug Use Problems Occur Within a Family Context

9. 10 Conclusions Supported by Addiction Science Drug Use Problems are affected by Social Context

10. 10 Conclusions Supported by Addiction Science Therapeutic Relationships Matter

11. 10 Conclusions Supported by Addiction Science This Presentation is based on the Work of the Conference on Approaches to Combating the Troublesome Use of Substances W.R. Miller and K.M. Carroll, Eds. 2005

12. 10 Implications for Substance Abuse Treatment Systems Intervention is not a specialist problem, but a broad social responsibility that should be shared by many public and private entities

13. 10 Implications for Substance Abuse Treatment Systems We should screen for and address the full spectrum of drug use problems, not just the most severe

14. 10 Implications for Substance Abuse Treatment Systems Helpers should seek to understand drug problems in a larger life context, and provide comprehensive care options

15. 10 Implications for Substance Abuse Treatment Systems Look beyond the individual for the causes of and solutions to drug use problems

16. 10 Implications for Substance Abuse Treatment Systems Enhancing motivation for change and commitment to change should be a key component of any treatment intervention

17. 10 Implications for Substance Abuse Treatment Systems Changing a well-established pattern of drug use begins by interrupting the pattern and establishing an initial period of abstinence

18. 10 Implications for Substance Abuse Treatment Systems Enhance positive reinforcement for non-use, and enrich access to alternate sources of positive reinforcement

19. 10 Implications for Substance Abuse Treatment Systems Helpers should seek to diminish the rewarding aspects of drug use

20. 10 Implications for Substance Abuse Treatment Systems Services should be easily accessible, rapid, welcoming, affordable, helpful, potent, comfortable and attractive

21. 10 Implications for Substance Abuse Treatment Systems Helpers should use evidence-based practices whenever possible