Helping Addicts the Right Way

Paper Summary:

The paper provides an examination of the book, "Hooked: Five Addicts Challenge Our Misguided Drug Rehab System", by Lonny Shavelson and explores the suggested changes to the treatment system for drug addicts. The paper discusses the major limitations of the treatment system as highlighted by Shavelson and explores the changes proposed. The paper shows the importance of positive changes and details the conclusions reached by the author of the book. The paper is of the opinion that the author's solutions and conclusions are well thought out and potentially beneficial.

Outline:
Major Limitations of the System and their Impact
Author's Conclusions and Recommendations
The Power of Positive Changes

From the Paper:

"There are some major limitations of the treatment system, and after reading this book it is quite clear they affect the recovery and success of the addicts they are attempting to treat. First, counselors and professionals toss the addicts out of the program if they relapse into their abusive behavior. This seems like "cruel and unusual" punishment, because it seems if they relapse, that is when they need help the most. Relapse is a stressful time, and the addict feels hopeless and alone, yet, this is when the program is the most heartless. If addicts were able to control their behavior, they would not need treatment in the first place. Tossing them out of the program if they relapse ensures their failure and ensures they will feel like failures. In fact, studies show that addiction is a disease of the brain - not easily treated, which is why so many addicts face the problem of relapse."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Appel, Philip W., Aletha A. Ellison, Hadley K. Jansky, and Rivka Oldak. "Barriers to Enrollment in Drug Abuse Treatment and Suggestions for Reducing Them: Opinions of Drug Injecting Street Outreach Clients and Other System Stakeholders." American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse 30.1 (2004): 129+.
• Leshner, Alan I. "We Can Conquer Drug Addiction." The Futurist Nov. 1999: 22.
• Shavelson, Lonny. Hooked: Five Addicts Challenge Our Misguided Drug Rehab System. New York: The New Press, 2001.

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