Abstract:
The Clinical Guidelines on Drug Misuse and Dependence Update (2017) and the Independent Expert
Working Group (2017) considered that any treatment for substance addiction must contain a psychosocial
component. This refers to a wide range of therapeutic actions, from psychotherapy (e.g. cognitive behavioral
therapy, family therapy) to support counseling or other types of interventions.Clinical decisions to provide
psychosocial interventions depend on needs assessment, but also on research-based evidence that can provide
guidance on which populations might benefit from specific psychosocial interventions. Self-help and mutualhelp
groups (such as Narcotics Anonymous) should be recommended for all substance users who wish to
achieve and maintain abstinence.The key competencies of the clinician contributing to the patient's treatment
are represented by the ability to engage a patient, the ability to build trust and adopt a personal style that is
consistent with that of the patient, the ability to adjust the nature of the intervention according to the
patient's capabilities and work with the patient's emotional context, and with his motivation.Families affected
by addiction face a wide range of problems, including socio-economic and mental health problems, abuse,
conflict and dysfunctional family structures.Thus, the social support is fundamental in recovery process for
addiction. Community involvement and collaboration that leads to gradual and long-term environmental and
social changes, rather than short-term solutions, strengthening protective factors and mitigating risk factors at
the local community level in each of the areas of parents and family, peer group, school environment and
leisure time outside of school.
