30 years of change in Addiction Treatment
This year, Vancouver’s Together We Can Drug & Alcohol Recovery & Education Society turns 30. How have TWC and addiction treatment changed in 30 years?
Addiction is a complex and chronic disease that affects millions of people around the world. Over the past 30 years, the way addiction is treated has undergone significant changes. Addiction treatment methodology has evolved from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more personalized, evidence-based approach that addresses each individual’s unique needs and circumstances. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how addiction treatment methodology has changed over the past 30 years.
One of the most significant changes in addiction treatment methodology over the past 30 years is the shift away from a punitive approach to a more compassionate and patient-centered approach. In the past, addiction was often viewed as a moral failing or character flaw, and individuals struggling with addiction were often punished or shamed. Today, addiction is recognized as a chronic disease, and treatment focuses on helping individuals manage their symptoms and achieve long-term recovery.
Another significant change in addiction treatment methodology over the past 30 years is the increased emphasis on evidence-based treatments. Evidence-based treatments are therapies that have been scientifically proven effective in treating addiction. These treatments include behavioural therapies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI), as well as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which combines medication with counselling and behavioral therapies.
The use of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has also increased significantly over the past 30 years. MAT involves the use of medications, such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, to help individuals manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with opioid addiction. MAT has been shown to be highly effective in reducing the risk of overdose and improving long-term outcomes for individuals with opioid addiction.
In addition to evidence-based treatments and MAT, addiction treatment methodology has evolved to include a greater emphasis on holistic approaches. Holistic approaches to addiction treatment focus on treating the whole person, including their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These approaches may include yoga, meditation, art therapy, and other complementary therapies that help individuals manage stress and improve their overall health.
Another critical change in addiction treatment methodology over the past 30 years is the increased availability of treatment options. There are now more treatment options available than ever, including inpatient and outpatient programs and telemedicine options allowing individuals to receive treatment remotely. This increased availability of treatment options has made it easier for individuals to access the care they need and has helped to reduce stigma associated with addiction treatment.
In October 0f 1993, Together We Can first opened its doors at a single-family residence on Fairmont Street in Vancouver. What started as a six-person facility now houses over 300 individuals at a time, with an integrated doctor’s clinic, fitness centre, and on-site counselling overseen by Master’s level clinical therapists.
Addiction treatment methodology has significantly changed over the past 30 years, and Together We Can has adapted to suit the needs of a community that continues to need services more than ever during the worsening Opioid Epidemic. These changes have included a shift away from punitive approaches to a more compassionate and patient-centred approach, increased emphasis on evidence-based treatments and medication-assisted treatment, a greater focus on holistic approaches, and increased availability of treatment options. These changes have improved the effectiveness and accessibility of addiction treatment and have helped to reduce stigma associated with addiction. As we continue to learn more about addiction and its treatment, we can expect to see further advancements and improvements in addiction treatment methodology in the years to come.
