TREATMENT
If you or someone you know is currently seeking treatment, please use our searches for FADAA/FBHA treatment providers or the national Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
SAMHSA National Treatment Locator
One of the core principles of FADAA and FBHA is that addiction is a chronic disease that is amenable to both prevention and treatment interdiction.
Principles of Effective Treatment
(from Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction: National Institute on Drug Abuse)
Based on scientific research since the mid-1970s, the following key principles should form the basis of any effective treatment program:
- Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior.
- No single treatment is right for everyone.
- People need to have quick access to treatment.
- Effective treatment addresses all of the patient’s needs, not just his or her drug use.
- Staying in treatment long enough is critical.
- Counseling and other behavioral therapies are the most commonly used forms of treatment.
- Medications are often an important part of treatment, especially when combined with behavioral therapies.
- Treatment plans must be reviewed often and modified to fit the patient’s changing needs.
- Treatment should address other possible mental disorders.
- Medically assisted detoxification is only the first stage of treatment.
- Treatment doesn’t need to be voluntary to be effective.
- Drug use during treatment must be monitored continuously.
- Treatment programs should test patients for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases as well as teach them about steps they can take to reduce their risk of these illnesses.