Outpatient Substance Use Programs for Alcoholism - Book Report/Review Example

Outpatient Substance Use Programs for Alcoholism I. Introduction A. Most of the references for outpatient substance use programs for alcoholism base their arguments and evaluation on empirical findings. B. The references used in this paper offered a balanced review and evaluation of outpatient substance use programs for alcoholism by means of objectivity and avoidance of unnecessary interpretations. C. Majority of the evidence for the efficacy of outpatient treatment programs has been introduced by research teams residing in the U.S., in Europe, and in some Asian countries. D. The smartphone app, launched by Alcohol-Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (A-CHESS), is customizable in patients’ smartphones, enabling focus on particular needs of the patient while promoting autonomy. II. Definitions of Substance-use Disorders A. The substance use disorders consist of substance abuse and substance dependence. B. As stated by DSM-IV-TR, a ‘substance dependence’ diagnosis is identified when there has been an abnormal or dysfunctional habit of substance use resulting in clinically serious disorder or injury. C. A ‘substance abuse’ diagnosis is given when the person has not once satisfied the conditions for dependence in the past and manifests a dysfunctional habit of substance use resulting in serious disorder or injury. III. Substance-use Treatments Goals and Outcomes and Roadblocks in Treatment Goals A. The main goal of substance-use treatments is to stop or relieve a patient’s substance abuse. B. Substance use disorders are ‘incurable’, but those who suffer from it can carry out the behavioral modifications needed to recover. C. There is always the risk of relapse. D. Services offered to individuals at different phases of the disorder can be classified into three: (1) pretreatment methods; (2) outpatient treatment; and (3) inpatient program. E. Outpatient treatment for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) has weak points, disadvantages, and possible setbacks. F. One of the problems of outpatient programs concerns treatment completion or patient retention. G. Outpatient treatments provide less supervision or involvement in acute patient management issues. IV. Linking Outpatient Treatment Program to Alcohol-Related Behavior Evidenced by the Broader Health Care System A. Most of the authors (Clunies, 1996; Galanter & Kleber, 2008; Street et al., 2013; Doweiko, 2011; Westermeyer et al., 2004; Burrow-Sanchez & Hawken, 2013) used in this paper argue that for clients in an outpatient treatment, behavioral or emotional treatment objectives involve the process of stabilizing symptoms or difficulties so that rigorous management is not needed or so that difficulties could be sufficiently handled through another health care professional. B. Treatment objectives could be attained during the outpatient treatment program. C. Prescriptions are one way to lessen or terminate alcoholism, but effective long-term recovery places emphasis on modifying an individual’s behaviors and perceptions of alcohol. V. Analyzing the Problems, Screening, Assessment Treatment, and Prevention of Alcohol Related Issues as Described in the Literature A. There are a number of minimal components that are fundamental to the successful operation of a core outpatient program. B. ‘Screening’ for AUDs is a treatment provision that determines whether a person is eligible for substance abuse evaluation. C. The objective of such preliminary screening is to identify whether the person is expected to be a suitable candidate for the program based on definite admission conditions that involve rules on financial and clinical appropriateness. D. The objective of the assessment must be to identify the patients’ individual needs through the conduct of a diagnostic assessment and to verify the correctness of participation based on the admission rules of the program. E. All outpatient treatment programs must deliver the major treatment procedures— screening, assessment, planning of treatment, pharmacotherapy, and program outcome assessment. VI. Synthesis of the Professional, Ethical, and Legal Issues Related to Substance-use Treatment and Referral A. Clinical and other employees who serve in the outpatient treatment program must be informed of professional, ethical, and legal issues that influence their activities. B. Within the complicated setting of outpatient treatment programs, it is crucial that professionals not transcend the boundaries of their experience and education in the services they give. C. However, professional, ethical, and legal issues are more intense in the field of pharmacology or, specifically, the issue of referral for pharmacologic interventions. VII. Conclusions Read More