The Role & Impact of Treatment for Individuals with Substance Use Disorders - Research Paper Example

rious activities including research and trends with the purpose of significantly improving “prevention and treatment and to inform policy as it relates to drug abuse and addiction” (National Institute on Drug Abuse, n.d.). The “Results from the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health” for instance revealed that “in 2010, 4.1 million persons aged 12 or older (1.6 percent of the population) received treatment for a problem related to the use of alcohol or illicit drugs” (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Past Year Treatment, 2011, par. 3). In this regard, the current research aims to proffer pertinent issues relative to the role and impact of treatment on individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs), particularly with cocaine, heroin and prescription drugs, or those classified under illicit drugs.

The discourse would initially provide the definition for SUDs, prior to delving into the role and impact of treatment, as required. “Substance abuse is defined as a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress as manifested by one (or more) of the following, occurring within a 12-month period: Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home (such as repeated absences or poor work performance related to substance use; substance-related absences, suspensions, or expulsions from school; or neglect of children or household).

Continued substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substance (for example, arguments with spouse about consequences of intoxication and physical fights)” (American Psychiatric Association, 1994, p. 181). Treatment of SUDs would therefore depend on various factors: the type of substance or drugs used, the length of time these substances or drugs have been continuously used, the state or mental condition of