Treatment Philosophy

DASA Treatment Philosophy for Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Addiction

The Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse's (DASA) program of substance abuse services is based on medical research that alcoholism and addiction to other drugs is a progressive disease.  Research and evaluation studies indicate that long periods of sobriety, abstinence, and/or reduced drug use result from effective intervention and treatment.  Research also demonstrates that treatment results in a marked reduction in negative consequences for patients, their families, friends, and society at large.  This is measured by domestic violence, disrupted families, employment histories, and public costs for law enforcement, welfare dependence, medical costs, and admissions to psychiatric hospitals.  As alcoholism and drug addiction are chronic, relapsing disorders, continued treatment and support services will be required after any initial course of treatment.

Alcohol, tobacco, or other drug addiction is an individual, family, worksite, and community affliction.  They negatively impact all sectors of society regardless of age, education, race/ethnicity, gender, occupation, or socio-economic status.  Therefore, it is critical that all citizens, especially teachers, employers, parents, and youth, understand the ability to treat the illness and the channels for getting a person into private or public treatment agencies.  DASA's philosophy recognizes the importance of ensuring all treatment agencies meet established standards for providing services.  Treatment must be tailored to the specific needs of each individual, and a continuum of treatment services is essential for matching clients with the optimal types and sequences of treatments.  It is also important that specialized treatment services be available for populations with special needs and circumstances, such as adolescents, pregnant and parenting women (and their children), members of minority populations, and those with disabilities.

DASA recognizes that substance abuse treatment cannot occur in isolation from law enforcement and public safety, educational institutions, and social, health, and economic services.  It is essential that substance abuse treatment have linkages with all segments of society that are important to the recovery and rehabilitation of the alcoholic and addict.

A key aspect of DASA's philosophy is recognizing the importance of breaking the generational cycle of addiction.  This can be done by promoting alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention programs, enrolling children of addicts in appropriate prevention activities, and providing early intervention services when needed.

1 See, for example: Wickizer, T. and Longhi, D. (1997).  Economic benefits and costs associated with substance abuse treatment provided to indigent clients through the Washington State's Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Treatment and Support Act (ADATSA). Olympia, WA: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse.  See also: Schrager, L., Joyce, J., and Cawthon, L., (1995).  Substance abuse, treatment, and birth outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women in Washington State. Olympia, WA: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Planning, Research & Development and Office of Research & Data Analysis.

Top