The role of the community approach in the rehabilitation and reintegration of persons with substance use disorders

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.