PLAN IT OUT.

• Author: Wolf, Walter
• Position: MIND & BODY

"According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the best way to prevent relapse is structuring the right plan for each individual, knowing that it will need adjustments along the way." LIKE other chronic diseases, addiction can be managed through the right treatment, lifelong mutual support, and a self-management system that fits the individual and his or her resources.

There is no one plan that fits everyone. Does each plan always follow the script? When you have human beings and a relentless disease involved, do not count on it. Will there be changes along the way? Of course--name me one chronic disease where treatment goes exactly as initially planned. Will there be setbacks? Hope there aren't, but plan there will be. The chronic nature of addiction means that relapsing not only is possible, but likely since its recurrence rates are similar to other chronic diseases.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the best way to prevent relapse is structuring the right plan for each individual, knowing that it will need adjustments along the way. A person in treatment may require varying combinations of services during its course, including ongoing assessment. "For most people, a continuing care approach provides the best results, with each treatment level adapted to a person's changing needs," notes NIDA.

Research studies confirm and treatment specialists insist that anything less than 90 days of formal treatment, including medications and behavioral therapies, is of limited effectiveness. If one has the resources, there are facilities with even longer programs of six months, nine months, or one year.

Whatever the plan, the right one for the right someone is supported by a foundation of the following components: diagnosis; resources; a customized treatment plan that fits the individual and resources; adjustments when necessary; commitment to making it work.

Based on that foundation, a customized treatment plan is structured upon the following common denominators:

* Treatment has to be tailored to each person's diagnosis; drug-use patterns; drug-related medical, mental, and social issues; and resources.

* if resources allow, a customized one-year plan should be 90 days of evidence-based behavioral therapy, medication, and transitional living followed by an ongoing continuum of care plan of recovery support services (RSS).

* RSS must include sober living, mutual-aid support (meetings), new positive relationships, and work or...