What is Effective Treatment?

ARMS helps young people with substance-related problems to lead healthier, more empowered lives by finding the best, individualized treatment plan for them. The good news is that treatment does work. It just takes time and commitment, and an honest acknowledgement of the realities of addiction.

Zero Tolerance Doesn’t Work

A chronic disease of the brain, addiction is much like diabetes. Behavior modification is at the core of treatment, and it’s a difficult process. Patients often don’t want to change, even after they admitting they have a problem, and most patients undergo an average of 5 to 7 relapses before they are able to maintain a stable recovery. Even then, lifelong vigilance is required.

Sobriety should not be seen as the central aim for everyone. Rather, treatment is successful when it helps young people achieve greater stability and better functioning. Positive goals for those with substance-related problems include:

• Abstinence from substances associated with poor functioning
• Reduced use or intensity of use
• Improved functioning in school and better relationships
• Improved physical health

Adolescents who enter treatment are more likely to achieve long-term sobriety than those who enter as adults.

Young People Are Unique

Treatment can be a very positive step. Adolescents who enter treatment are more likely to achieve long-term sobriety than those who enter as adults, and the earlier they enter, the more effective treatment will be. But adolescents need specialized treatment that is tailored to their development level and addresses the ways in which their substance use and recovery differ from those of adults.

Key Elements of Good Treatment

No one type of treatment will work for everyone. But factors that can help to ensure a successful outcome include:

• Instant availability
• Services match patient’s age and needs
• Staff trained in adolescent issues
• Comprehensive legal, social, medical and psychological services
• Comprehensive assessment of patient’s circumstances
• Substance use monitoring
• Specialized treatment for different cultures and genders
• Family involvement
• Life goals training
• Careful aftercare planning and implementation

Recovery programs employ different methods, but common approaches that have been found to be equally effective include:

Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET):  Short-term program designed to increase readiness and motivation for treatment through goal setting.

Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment (CBT):  Program in which behavior is analyzed for vulnerabilities and new behavioral skills are taught.

Adolescent-Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA):  Used by ARMS, this short-term approach teaches increased effectiveness skills to youth and parents.

Assertive Continuing Care:  Secondary, 12-session program following A-CRA, which is aimed at increasing social supports and aiding a return to normal life.

Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT):  Targets youth’s overall environment, including family, school, peers and community.

Family Support Network:  Used along with more traditional treatment methods, this approach helps parents’ learn skills to support their child’s recovery.

Contingency Management:  Provides meaningful incentives for achieving agreed- upon goals. Used to enhance outcomes along with other therapies.

How ARMS Can Help

ARMS supports young people and their families as they navigate their treatment options, helping them to choose and access all aspects of their care.