The Causes and Treatments of Addictions, Essay Example

Addiction is a mental health disorder, and in order to treat addiction, one must look at the underlying issues and components of mental illness. Addiction often stems from coping with mental illness and in turn, substance abuse fundamentally changes the way the bran functions. Both of these aspects of mental illness make it necessary to treat substance abuse as a disease and respect that the substance abuser is in need of medical treatment in order to get better. The DSM specifically lists addiction and substance disorders as a mental health issue (Substance Use Disorders, 2015). The reality is that individuals are not at fault when it comes to developing substance abuse disorders. This is because addiction is a symptom of a greater and more complex mental disorder that influences the use of drugs as mood enhancers (Chapter 1, 2013, p. 2-8).

In order to properly treat addiction, it is in the best interest of the patient to undergo mental health treatment, as well. Both of these in conjunction with one another provide the best and most reliable opportunity for long-term recovery from substance addiction. This is accomplished by behavioral health systems “collaborating with professionals in primary care, human services, housing, criminal justice, education, and related fields in order to meet the complex needs of persons with Co-occuring Disorders (COD)” (Overarching Principles, 2006, p.3).

By using medical and behavioral treatment and treating the patient with careful attention to not blame fault, the likelihood hood of long-term recovery is far greater. The use of medical and psychological treatment along with social intervention effectively helps the patient and their family members and loved ones (Integrated Dual Disorder, 2012, p. 2). Acknowledging the real mental disorders that align with substance abuse and addiction disorder allows the patient to reduce added stress. This in turn helps the patient seek treatment without the fear of bias and judgment.

References

Chapter 1. (2013). In Substance Abuse Treatments For Those With Co-Occuring Disorders (pp. 2-8). Rockville, Maryland: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment: An overview of the evidence-based practice (pp. 1-3). (2012). Cleveland, Ohio: Center for Evidence-Based Practices, Case Western Reserve University.

Overarching Principles to Address the Needs of Persons with Co-occuring Disorders (p. 3). (2006). Rockville, Maryland: US Department of Health and Human Services.

Substance Use Disorders. (2015, June 17). Retrieved September 12, 2015, from http://www.samhsa.gov/disorders/substance-use