From the Guidelines
A comprehensive substance use disorder (SUD) treatment plan should incorporate protective factors such as strong social support networks, stable housing, employment opportunities, and healthy coping mechanisms, and typically includes a combination of behavioral therapies and medication-assisted treatment when appropriate. The plan should begin with a thorough assessment to identify the individual's specific substance use patterns, co-occurring disorders, and existing protective factors 1.
Some key elements of a SUD treatment plan include:
- Behavioral therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy, or Contingency Management
- Medication-assisted treatment, such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone for opioid use disorder, or acamprosate or naltrexone for alcohol use disorder
- Regular monitoring and support
- Family involvement, when possible, to provide additional support and address family dynamics that may contribute to substance use
- A focus on relapse prevention strategies and long-term maintenance of protective factors as recovery progresses
According to a recent review, family and community support are important features of treatment, and community-based recovery organizations with peer-based recovery support services can be effective aids for substance use treatment 1. Additionally, training in the treatment of substance use disorders should be embedded throughout the continuum of medical education, and the workforce of professionals qualified to treat substance use disorders should be expanded 1.
Overall, a comprehensive SUD treatment plan that incorporates protective factors and evidence-based treatments can help support recovery and reduce relapse risk, and should be tailored to the individual's specific needs and circumstances.
From the FDA Drug Label
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Detoxification treatment of opioid addiction (heroin or other morphine-like drugs). Maintenance treatment of opioid addiction (heroin or other morphine-like drugs), in conjunction with appropriate social and medical services The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Protective Factors in SUD Treatment
- Family support is a crucial protective factor in SUD treatment, as family members can play a central role in the lives of individuals with SUDs and provide emotional support and encouragement during the recovery process 2
- Engaging family members in the treatment process can improve health outcomes for all family members, result in better addiction treatment outcomes, and prevent adolescent substance use 2
- Evidence-based interventions targeting affected family members have been shown to be effective in improving SUD treatment outcomes 2
SUD Treatment Plan
- Medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are effective in treating opioid use disorders (OUD) and can be used as part of a comprehensive SUD treatment plan 3, 4, 5, 6
- Nicotine replacement therapies, bupropion, and varenicline are effective in treating tobacco use disorders, while naltrexone and acamprosate are effective in treating alcohol use disorders 5, 6
- A comprehensive SUD treatment plan should include a combination of pharmacotherapy and behavioral treatments, such as counseling and support groups, to address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction 5, 6
- Healthcare providers should consider the individual's specific needs and circumstances when developing a SUD treatment plan, including any co-occurring medical or psychiatric conditions 4