Introduction
There are several organizations that make up the addiction counseling field. Each of these organizations is tasked with a specific role in addressing matters that may be related to the issues in the community that are brought about by the addiction problems. Although the addiction professionals work in several varied disciplines, they share some basic understanding as far as the addictive process is concerned. They go beyond the boundaries of being limited to the specialties that they confine themselves into. This is because even if their skills and proficiencies vary a lot depending on the specialization an individual may undertake, the disciplines are based and built on a common foundation to all the specialties. Individuals to any field should therefore ensure that they are aware of the basics of the field of addiction. More important, they should be aware of the history of the addiction field, the core values and ideas of the field, its organizational infrastructure among many more other basics. Through this, service delivery to the clients will be made in a smooth way (Fisher et al, 2009).
The different organizations perform different functions, depending on the role they are supposed to undertake. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, for instance, is tasked with collecting all the disciplines that are required in order to study and combat the substance abuse by individuals. These substances may include prescription drugs, nicotine, alcohol among many more other illegal drugs. As such, they perform the function of bringing onto one roof the various disciplines that require the relevant skills in the field.
The National Trade Association under the field of addiction studies is tasked to perform the role of providing the necessary information to the traders who are addicted to the process and give them the necessary information as to what the right step should be. Of importance to note is that most of these organizations have their roles overlapping since they are built for the same purpose. They only have minor differences. The National Advocacy Groups are for instance tasked to advocate for health care reforms in the health sector. Such reforms may include their push to ensure that the government employs relevant mechanisms in curbing the abuse of drugs which may affect the way people live.
There are several approaches to the effective treatment of drug addiction (Boren et al, 2000). The various approaches that are employed depend on the aspects of the drug addiction and the consequences of the drug and the implications they may have to the family of the addicted and the society in general. One evidence-based treatment of the addiction problems is as regards to the behavioral therapies. These therapies are necessary in engaging an individual in the treatment of the drug abuse. As such, they provide incentives and advice them to abstain and work on the modification of their behaviors which are related to the process of abusing drugs. As such, the relevant life skills that are required by individuals to handle the circumstances that may be stressing them are explained to them and as such, they can easily control the cravings that they may develop towards drug abuse.
An example of the behavioral therapy that has proved to be effective is the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. This therapy is especially efficient when dealing with persons having addiction to nicotine, marijuana, cocaine, alcohol and other drugs like methamphetamine. This therapy mainly prevents relapses when a problem of drinking is treated. It entails learning and applying different skills that are employed for the prevention of drug abuse. Self- control is always the central aspect to this therapy and as such, strategies that are effective are promoted. The addicts are encouraged to evaluate the consequences of addiction (Rimondini, 2012). This plays a major role in ensuring that they get to know of the effects of the drug abuse and as such, they develop an attitude towards prevention of such future problems. Of major importance, though, is the fact that this approach remains even after treatment has been completed, further ensuring that the victims do not go back to the old habits of abusing drugs.
There are several groups and organizations that have played a major role in shaping the public policy on substance abuse at the national level. These groups play different roles in ensuring that the public policy is implemented and lives are saved.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is one such group that has worked towards the enactment of policies in the national level that pertain to the abuse of drugs. As the name suggests, this organization has as its main mission the desire to ensure that drunk driving is stopped. Through ensuring that all drivers are not drunk during the time they are driving, the group ensures that the number of road accidents is minimized (Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 2005). The group also plays the role of supporting the victims of accidents caused by drunk driving and gives them the necessary support when there is need. Underage drinking is also highly prohibited by these groups and in ensuring that their policies are implemented, they always petition the relevant authorities to enact strict rules to ensure that drunk drivers are charged.
The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) is one such other group that works in the national level. This is an organization that represents the organizations at the local communities that are against substance abuse. CADCA acts as the leadership of such organizations and is the main sponsor of the groups. It also provides the necessary trainings and guidance documents on the implementation of their policies. Similar to the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the group works hard in informing the public of the effects of drug abuse and the importance of staying sober all the time. Effectively, they formulate policies and present them to the senate for consideration and if possible, they are implemented.
Apart from the two mentioned groups above that deal with policing at the national levels, there are also dissemination organizations that play a significant role in ensuring that the public policy as regards to the drug abuse is shaped in a good manner. These organizations are mostly either private organizations or citizenry groups. As such, they appreciate the need of providing information related to the prevention field of the drug abuses. The Centers for the Application of Prevention Technology (CAPTUS), for instance, refers to the regional centers that have as their goal encouraging the government and other healthcare facilities to adopt practices that are science-based (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, 2002). As such, they provide relevant and necessary information in ensuring that the recipients adhere to the national guidelines for the expenditure of funds. They are tasked to disseminating the necessary information on the prevention of drug abuse and the necessary mechanisms to ensure that it is minimized.
References
Boren, J. J., Carroll, K., & National Institute on Drug Abuse (2000). Approaches to drug abuse counseling. Bethesda, MD (6001 Executive Boulevard: National Institute on Drug Abuse, Division of Treatment and Research Development, Behavioral Treatment Development Branch.
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (2002). Prescription drug abuse prevention tool kit. Alexandria, VA: Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America.
Fisher, G. L., & Roget, N. A. (2009). Encyclopedia of substance abuse prevention, treatment, & recovery. Los Angeles: SAGE.
Mothers against drunk driving. (2005). Irving, TX: MADD.
Rimondini, M. (2011). Communication in cognitive behavioral therapy. New York: Springer.
