APPROACHING SUBSTANCE USE

As previously mentioned, there are countless treatment options available within the five tiers of services provided in Canada. Some methods work more effectively for some individuals rather than others; there are differences similar to how the substance issues began. Some treatment focuses on total abstinence while other programs may favor reduction; each option is unique.

Most significantly, I believe that treatment lies solely in the hand of the individual in terms of developing the overall treatment plan. Primarily, I think there needs to be an importance placed on individuals receiving adequate screening and assessment to ensure they are receiving the best possible treatment program (i.e. screening for mental health issues). With proper screening and assessment individuals will be directed to the tier of care which will best suit their needs for recovery. As well, I think it is extremely important that individuals presenting with substance use or abuse problems be welcomed in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. A part of this, I believe, includes being approach with motivational interviewing techniques and the subtle push towards change talk. It is important that clients are able to share and address what they need to

Within an individual seeking treatment for substance or behavior abuse problems it is important to know where they lie within the stages of change. There are six possible stages, which include: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and relapse. Where an individual fits within this continuum relates to how far into the change process they are. If they are in the pre-contemplation stage they may not even be thinking about changing their behavior however, if they are in the contemplation stage they may be realizing how their substance use is having negative impacts on their life. In the preparation phase, individuals have decided to change and have made a plan to do so while in the action phase they begin to make the changes outlined. The final two stages involve constant monitoring on the behavioral changes as well as relapse which is a possibility at anytime however, part of the process. Motivational interviewing, techniques, as previously mentioned, are a way in taking an individual in the pre-contemplation to the contemplation stage but using strategies to aid a client in opening up and making personal realizations.

Personally, I believe in harm reduction as being a leading form of increasing wellness among substance users/abusers. Harm reduction methods strive to reduce the overall harm or consequences associated with drug use as they have accepted that substance use and abuse is an unavoidable part of life. The specific goals of harm reduction models are disease prevention, to reduce deaths due to drug use, to provide treatment for substance dependence, to empower communities and reduce stigma as well as to reduce the societal, community and individual impacts. I think this method of approaching substance use and abuse is most effective way of confronting the issue as it takes a realistic approach. Basically, the theory revolves around the idea that substance abuse can never be solved or become extinct; it will always be around so why not make it safer? Examples of these strategies include safe injection sites for intravenous drug users. In these locations, drug users have access to clean needles, health care, and addictions services if needed. This particular resource reduces disease contracted from dirty needles, provides monitoring for potential overdose, and takes drug users off the streets and out of the way of the public. Overall, there is a reduced risk for intravenous drug users who use safe injection sites.

Finally, I think it’s important, when approaching drug use, to withdrawal personal opinion and judgment. There will be no progress made when an intervener is telling a client that what they are doing is wrong or inappropriate or detrimental to their health. It is necessary to ignore our personal biases, writing reflex and the stigma attached to drug use (in both a individual and societal manner) and focus on the individual who is seeking to change their behavior.