Today’s Addiction Treatment

The value of addiction treatment is determined by data collected in outcome studies designed to answer the question, “Does it work?” It is the same question one might ask when considering a surgical procedure, a home appliance purchase, or an automobile repair – “Does it work?”

How is Addiction Treatment Measured?

Countless hours are spent by treatment program staffs collecting data to demonstrate that their model of treatment is successful. Programs attempt to demonstrate that they are operating on the basis of “evidence-based practice,” which has become the buzz word in the promotion of their programs. It is a worthwhile goal made difficult by the lack of agreement on what constitutes treatment success and even what defines “recovery.” In the pursuit of evidence-based practice, I always hope that we do not lose sight of practice-based evidence.

Possible Issues with Consolidated Treatment

One of current trends is the consolidation of addiction treatment and mental health treatment. There is no question that many who end up with substance abuse issues began by attempting to self-medicate their mental health issues. At the same time, it is important to not minimize the impact of substance abuse on mental health. Which came first? Which is primary? Which should be treated first? Can these issues be treated simultaneously?

There are many other issues that arise out of the consolidation of substance abuse and mental health treatment:

· Staff training and qualification issues

· Patient expectations – are substance abuse patients and mental health patients treated differently?

· Does treatment get watered down as programs try to treat everything?

· With the integration of substance abuse and mental health, how are successful outcomes measured?

· The consolidation of programs is also a consolidation of philosophies, of billing systems, of electronic health record systems, of insurance reimbursement, of telehealth systems, etc.

My personal concern is that in this world of data collection and program consolidation that the most important factor is not overlooked – the therapeutic relationship of one person to another.

What to Look For

If you are considering your need for treatment, look beyond the flashy websites and the inflated claims of success. If possible, meet the people who provide the treatment. It is the people who make it work!