While many scholar psychologists argue that abstinence is perhaps the only viable way of treating drug addiction, other scholars have demonstrated that controlled use of alcohol and the addictive drug can also provide a realistic solution to the problem. It is paramount for stakeholders to agree that drug addiction is a treatable condition. However, treating drug related syndromes requires that the treatment model is tailored to the needs of the victims. One way of administering this treatment model is by allowing the victims to control their condition and live normal and productive lives. I think that drug and substance abuse is comparable to diseases such as diabetes and chronic heart diseases. I take the case of these two conditions because they are behavioral and no correct treatment has been realized. Individuals with diabetes have learned to condition their lives to accommodate the needs of the diseases. I feel that the same approach can be used for drug addicts.
Controlling or intermittent use of drugs moderates by combining with behavioral therapies such as counseling, psychotherapy, social groups or support groups and the influence of the family. There are also treatment medications that assist individuals to suppress the situation by controlling the withdraw syndrome and the intense craving Drugs- Rehabs (2012). The medications also assist with blocking the effects of drugs on the physical and emotional strength. Comer (2010) has observed that controlled use and behavioral therapy are an effective treatment compared to immediate ceasing since it allows a gradual progression towards normalcy. The gradual treatment methods reduce death rates compared to the usual requirement of complete halt. The halt can have serious repercussions particularly from withdrawal symptoms and stress disorder.
Psychodynamic theorists believe that people who abuse substances have a powerful dependency needs. The needs are traceable to their ancestry or lack of family attention. The problem is that psychodynamic theorists do not clarify whether such personality traits leads to drug use or inhibit the individual’s ability to halt (Comer, 2010, p. 306). Wholesomely, scholars agree that the numerous the treatment methods, the better the results. However, many agree that the conditioned retreat and gradual reduction in consumption is a more effective approach that a complete halt to drug use. In the last 25 years, many researchers have proven that treatments provide a viable mechanism that helps drug victims to stop relying on drugs and to become productive members of the society.
Cloud & Cooper (2003) argued that distinguishing between alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence determines our understanding of alcoholism as a disease or if it is not a disease. In some cases, the abuser of alcohol may not become an addict or a dependant. If it is a disease, then the alcohol dependent must become an abstinent. The complications in definition make the task of defining substance abuse issues as either a disease or not rather daunting. In my view, drug addiction is a disease, a brain disease. While the initial use or experimentation with drugs can be out of choice, the problem becomes serious once the brain is disrupted and develops a constant desire to be high. This is when the drug addiction becomes a disease. It is a complicated process, but it is a disease that cannot be cured in one halt, but through a process that is gradual and consistence (Mack, A & France , 2003).
Works Cited
Cloud, R. N., McKiernan, P., & Cooper, L. (2003). Controlled drinking as an appropriate treatment goal: A critique of current approaches. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 21(4), 6782.
Mack, A & France, (2003). Substance Related Disorders. American Psychiatric Association http://focus.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?articleid=49323
Drugs- Rehabs ( 2012) Drug Addiction Treatment Models http://www.drug-rehabs.com/treatment-methods.htm Retrieved September 29, 2012
