PSYCHOSOCIAL TREATMENT FOR DRUG-ABUSE - SELECTED REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NATIONAL-HEALTH CARE

Substance abuse and dependence remains an important public health conc ern because of health-related and other costs to our society. We revie w selected articles that address questions about the psychosocial trea tment of substance abuse disorders; these articles could aid in settin g the parameters of a national health care insurance. Data from major program evaluation studies of existing substance abuse treatment progr ams are presented, followed by reviews of controlled studies of opiate , cocaine, and marijuana abuse and dependence; particular attention is given to studies that have standardized treatment through the use of treatment manuals. Articles about the treatment of substance abuse in adolescents are also reviewed. The existing data suggest that substanc e abuse treatment should be intensive and should probably involve mult iple modalities targeted to various problems encountered in patients w ith substance use disorders, including comorbid psychiatric problems. However, only a few well-controlled studies have been performed to dal e; therefore, substantial research is needed before a system truly inf ormed by research can be designed. Suggestions for future research dir ections are provided.