Drugs and Alcohol in Criminal Justice

Running Head : Drug and Alcohol

Drug and Alcohol in Criminal Justice

What are the Treatment Implications of the Disease Model

Drug abuse is essentially defined as the excessive , dangerous and undesirable use of certain substances (Abadinsky , 2007 . It has the potential to harm the user and in turn harm others . Although the word drug ' literally means dry substance , the term has evolved over the years . Today , drug abuse can even refer to alcohol or tobacco . Alcohol and tobacco are referred to as gateway drugs ' that lead to use of substances more

dangerous and degenerative . Many therefore prefer to use the term substance abuse rather than drug abuse

Drug abuse is characterized by the following : a difficulty from stopping use an exhibition of withdrawal symptoms when quitting and an increasing tolerance to the substance . Since its nature is neither fully medical , behavioral , or even environmental , many experts debate on its reference as a disease (Abadinsky , 2007 . Unlike other diseases , drug abuse is more of a social problem . Treatment therefore has more social implications than any other disease

Experts agree that drug abuse is a disease that is quite difficult to rather than complete alleviation (Abadinsky , 2007 . There are several treatment principles adapted . Abadinsky suggests at least 13 principles that can be applied to drug abuse treatment . One of the most important things to remember is that single treatment approach to drug abuse is not universal . Each individual has preferences , attitudes , behavior and even thought processes that are different from others . It is important that the way drug abuse treatment is introduced suits the individual well . Identifying the appropriate treatment for each individual is critical . An inappropriate method or approach may cause more harm than good . Drug abuse treatment is highly dependent on the positive response of the individual for it to generate positive results

Another principle that is important to drug abuse treatment is that since drug abuse is in part a behavioral problem , individual and group counseling and other similar therapies are important components Interpersonal relationships are crucial to an individual 's progress in treatment . Most people who are affected by drugs withdraw from society Group therapies and other social interactions are conducted so that individuals learn the right social behaviors while recovering from the disease

As stated earlier drug abuse is neither purely medical nor behavioral In fact the disease is also thought of as a psychological problem as well as a social concern . The disease has a very strong impact to society . It is a problem that the community shares . The threat is not only on the individual but to other people as well . Therefore treatment is a social endeavor . It is a communal effort that requires a lot of involvement from the individual and those who are closely related to them . Society plays an important role in dealing with drug abuse Overtime the disease has taken the top priority in social concerns and issues . The effect of the disease on people has spun so many endeavors to...