Addiction Treatment Plan

Posted: January 5th, 2023

Week 9 Assignment: Addiction Treatment Plan

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Week 9 Assignment: Addiction Treatment Plan

Theory to Guide Intervention

The study uses the social learning model as the theory to guide intervention. Albert Bandura formed the social learning theory in the 1970s to describe the effect of thought processes on goal-oriented behaviors. The model considers an individual’s capability to learn within a social setting through verbal interactions and research (Kierkus, Johnson & Hewitt, 2010). The framework argues that behavior is acquired and can be described by the reciprocal socialization among cultural, environmental, cognitive, and behavioral determinants. Primary elements of the social learning model encompass learning through direct experiences and indirect forms of modeling and the notion that learning encounters are mediated via cognitive activities (Giovazolias & Themeli, 2014). When applied to substance use and addiction, the social learning theory asserts that alcohol and drug use are learned practices and that such conduct prevails because of continuous reinforcement from peers and other individuals. The reinforcement could also occur from other sources such as the environment, feelings, thoughts, and direct effects of substance abuse. Within the social learning theory of addiction, substance use treatment pays attention to quitting or overcoming unwanted behaviors. The more alcohol or substance use in the social learning model, the more the habit forms.

Using the social learning model requires intervenors to consider certain critical aspects associated with it. A fundamental aspect to consider when using the model is that the effects of using different substances and alcohol vary significantly from one person to the other (Ford, 2008). The repercussions could depend on one’s personality, the kind of lifestyle they lead, and their history (Ford, 2008). The social learning model posits that if one uses a substance to address personal problems, they will encounter a significant challenge in quitting than a person whose primary motive for use is to become more interactive with friends (Ford, 2008). Besides, the model implies that when people use drugs or alcohol, they anticipate their feeling when they utilize the substance again (Ford, 2008). However, many people are unaware their experiences are based on the quantity of alcohol, environment, and personality.

Regarding socialization, proponents of the social learning model emphasize that interaction with peers significantly impact one’s chances of abusing substance and alcohol. Moos (2007) asserts that much and possibly most drug use starts during adolescence when influence from peers is substantially essential. When friends to an adolescent use tobacco, alcohol, or other forms, many individuals may want to fit into the group and become users of one or more of the substances (Van der Zwaluh et al., 2008). Similarly, sociologists also claim that the drug culture a society embraces has a significant influence on how people use drugs and alcohol (Moos, 2007). For instance, a person is more likely to become an alcohol user when he or she comes from a society or culture that regards alcohol with high esteem (Norcross, 2002). Thus, to the extent that social engagement, inequality, and cultural perception play vital roles in determining entry into drug use, supporters of the social learning model think that it is improper to perceive most drug use as emerging from a person’s psychological or biological problems (Moos, 2007). Although these factors do serve a function for some people’s entry into alcohol and substance use, sociologists hold that drug use as a whole emanates to a significant measure from the social settings and ought to be treated as a social concern, and not just as an individual issue.

Cultural Considerations for the Selected Theory

Alcohol use and drug addiction is a problem among some Native American community, which requires an effective plan to help many people belonging to the population who may become victims of substance abuse. American Addiction Centers (2021) informs that while Native Americans only account for 1.7% of the entire U.S. population, a substantial portion of the community experiences substance abuse contrasted with other ethnic and racial communities. Several cultural factors impact how Native Americans indulge in substance and alcohol abuse. One determining factor is the high rampancy of stress and depression, either directly or indirectly linked with past injustices and trauma (American Addition Centers, 2021). Besides, members of the population may be at higher risk for substance and alcohol abuse because of regular exposure and the absence of early prevention measures. An addiction treatment plan targeted towards the community should be ready to tackle other cultural and social determinants that add to the escalated risk of dependence among the group, including racism, low education levels, low insurance coverage, poverty, and violence (American Addition Centers, 2021). A wide range of health conditions also put Native Americans at a higher risk for becoming drug and alcohol abusers. Some of the ailments that the American Addition Centers, 2021) identifies, include cancer, stroke, liver disease, obesity, mental illness, and cardiovascular diseases among others. Nevertheless, Native Americans cannot fight the war alone and must receive support from various parties, including qualified practitioners in handling addition-related problems.

Appropriate Level of Care

No one technique serves all approaches in healthcare, and treating addiction is not any different. Many interveners use a continuum of care, which implies that clients become part of a treatment plan at the level of care that satisfies their requirements. Clients can then shift to another level of care depending on their treatment requirements. The level of care, in this case, refers to the magnitude of services that are needed to diagnose and treat the addition (Fisk, Rakfeldt & McCormack, 2006). The American Society of Addiction Medicine has formed five phases in a continuum of care for treating alcohol and substance abuse. The levels are; early intervention, outpatient services, intensive patient services, inpatient or residential services, and intensively managed patients in ascending order (Wheeler, Davidson, Jones & Irwin, 2012). The caregiver determines the level of care depending on the severity of the addiction. For example, it may be essential to conduct a medically handled detox on an opioid user who has used the substance for a long. The person would have to move to a lower level of care such as inpatient care and treatment upon completing the detox (Ritter & Cameron, 2006). The patient will afterward proceed with treatment in an outpatient facility. However, should the patient require additional treatment, they may move to a step higher of care, such as inpatient treatment.

The appropriate level of care, in this case, is outpatient, which happens in a non-residential location, so customers can remain at home while taking part in treatment. The approach suits addicts with less severe effects of a substance use disorder (SUD). It serves as a suitable option of care for those who have just completed inpatient treatment (Sarafino, 2006). While handling the patient using the outpatient approach, the intervener should consider whether the affected person has taken part in any medication before the current case, as well as understand the number of drugs or alcohol the patient uses (Sarafino, 2006). The caregiver should also consider other critical factors such as whether the person receiving care has a history of mental problem or take other medications (Sarafino, 2006). Overall, the outpatient level of care is appropriate because it presents the chance for clients to receive care without moving to the health facility.

Systematic Interventions on how to Include Primary Support Persons

The treatment plan is likely to succeed when interveners take measures to engage others who may facilitate the support offered to the affected person. A suitable approach to engaging others would be to maintain regular email communication with identified stakeholders. An email is a suitable option because it does not cost the parties anything other than the Internet to pass information across (Chandler, Fletcher & Volkow, 2009). Supporters may also get the chance to give direct support through the successful launching of web-based fundraising, where potential supporters get the chance to give any donations that may help to boost the treatment plan. Fortunately, technological advancements present an opportunity to explore various online programs and apps that make it possible to take part in effective fundraising initiatives (Chandler, Fletcher & Volkow, 2009). It is possible to engage primary support persons by writing formal letters and explaining why they are important in achieving a successful process. However, it would be better to take advantage of technological innovations such as social media that make it possible to relay and receive messages almost instantly. Social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook are now vital communication tools. Striving to get the necessary support will contribute significantly towards making the treatment plan successful.

Evidence from various researches shows that a stable support system has many positive advantages. One of the possible merits in such a case is that the patient is at a higher chance of recording positive health gains such as increased wellbeing, proper coping mechanisms, and healthier and longer life. Tracy and Wallace (2016) find that social support can lower anxiety and depression, which are possible occurrences when dealing with addicts. Support is also essential to those offering care because they get the chance to receive guidance on what ought to happen and gain material assistance that could make the treatment plan prosperous (Zaidi, 2020). Thus, interveners should enact adequate effort towards garnering support for the treatment process.  

Referrals and Plan to Coordinate with other Professionals

Coordinating with professionals in addiction treatment increases the chances for recording significant improvement in the intervention process. Professionals come with advanced knowledge that makes it possible to use approaches that would not be easy to employ with such guidance (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2016). A referral presents a good chance for the patient to encounter a new experience that may help to be more effective in the way one overcomes the addiction. Furthermore, a referral presents a better chance for the interveners to share information that may help develop the best decision about the patient (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2016). Other than making possible referrals, the intervention will focus on coordinating with professionals who are in a better position to improve the outcome of the process. Coordinating with professionals presents a better chance to foster learning and creativity and make it easier to build trust with the patient that the intervention aims to improve their wellbeing. The other merits for coordinating with professionals include an increased sense of ownership of the process and enhanced chances of taking and handling risks (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2016). Consequently, caregivers in charge of the treatment should consider engaging professionals and find ways to benefit from the coordination.

Conclusion

The study presents a treatment plan for addiction that may help affected persons regain stable health. The report relies on the social learning model as the primary framework for offering the treatment. The theory posits that society presents the key influencers that push one into drug and alcohol use and ultimate addition. According to the sociological approach, a suitable way to quit and avoid possible relapse is to promote the formation of a society or social setting that does not expose people to unregulated use of alcohol and drugs. The paper identifies Native Americans as being at a considerable risk of becoming addicts and more likely to gain from the treatment plan. The practice relies on the outpatient level of care that does not require a client to walk to the health facility. Instead, the caregiver visits them at their home and attends to their needs. The research reiterates the importance of devising ways for receiving support from potential parties to increase the possibilities of achieving the best outcome out of the process. Furthermore, the research shows the need to work alongside professionals conversant with the entire process of addiction treatment and what it takes to achieve the best results.

References

American Addition Centers. (2021). Alcohol and drug abuse among Native Americans.

            Retrieved from https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/addiction-

            statistics/native-americans

Chandler, R., Fletcher, B., & Volkow, N. (2009). Treating drug abuse and addiction in the criminal justice system: Improving public health and safety.

JAMA, 301(2), 183-190.

Fisk, D., Rakfeldt J., & McCormack, E. (2006). Assertive outreach: An effective strategy for engaging homeless persons with substance use disorders into treatment. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 32(3), 479–486.

Ford, J. (2008). Social learning theory and nonmedical prescription drug use among adolescents. Sociological Spectrum, 28(3), 299-316.

Giovazolias, T., & Themeli, O. (2014). Social learning conceptualization for substance abuse: Implications for therapeutic interventions. The European Journal of Counselling Psychology, 3(1), 69-88.

Kierkus, C., Johnson, B., & Hewitt, J. (2010). Cohabiting, family and community stressors, selection, and juvenile delinquency. Criminal Justice Review, 35, 393-411.

Moos, R. (2007). Theory-based active ingredients of effective treatments for substance use disorders. Drug and Alcohol Dependency, 88(2-3), 109-121.

Norcross, J. (2002). Psychotherapy relationships that work. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Ritter, A., & Cameron, J. (2006). A review of the efficacy and effectiveness of harm reduction

strategies for alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs. Drug and Alcohol Review, 25(6), 611–624.

Sarafino, E. P. (2006). Health psychology: Biopsychosocial interactions. London, United Kingdom: John Wiley and Sons.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Early intervention,                                     treatment and management of substance use disorders. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK424859/

Tracy, K., & Wallace, S. (2016). Benefits of peer support groups in the treatment of addiction. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, 7, 143-154.

Van der Zwaluh, C., Scholte, R., Vermulst, A., Buitelaar, J., Verkes, R., & Engels, R., (2008). Parental problem drinking, parenting, and adolescent alcohol use. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 31, 189-200.

Wheeler, E., Davidson, P. J., Jones, T. S., & Irwin, K. S. (2012). Community-based opioid overdose prevention programs providing naloxone—United States, 2010. MMWR, 61(6),

            101-105.

Zaidi, U. (2020). Role of social support in relapse prevention for drug addicts. International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change, 13(1), 915-924.