A research-based project called Ensuring Solutions to Alcohol Problems, has identified 13 active ingredients of effective treatment for alcoholism. Many of the ingredients this organization has identified have been used for treating alcoholics for several years. However, many, including the use of prescribed medications with psychosocial therapies, are not widely found in clinical practice. According to Ensuring Solutions to Alcohol
Problems, some of the ingredients of effective alcohol treatment
include: early detection, comprehensive assessment with an
individualized treatment plan, medications, training in social skills,
specialized services for psychiatric, employment, medical or family
problems, continuing aftercare, support group participation, longer
duration of treatment, and strong patient motivation.
Executive Director
Eric Goplerud, PhD .states, “The philosophical orientation of many
programs and individuals who work in the treatment field has focused
more on participation in support groups to prevent relapse than the use
of prescription medications such as disulfiram,and naltrexone for this
purpose.
Dr. Goplerud feels
that people with alcoholism have long been denied medication to support
psychosocial therapy for behavioral changes, a combination of active
ingredients that has proven necessary for the treatment of other
chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.
Reference: http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/pro/a/blesap030701.htm
|
By:A Worried Mom Posted: Oct 06 2005 05:48:19 PM