Substance
Abuse
Treatment
Philosophy
Preston Page LCSW, LSATP
INSIGHT: Practical Therapy - Commonsense LLC
276-734-9870
276-638-4909
DIGNITY
1. Substance abusers need to be treated with dignity and respect during the course of
treatment as restoring their dignity and self-respect is essential for treatment to be
successful. Part of this dignity is recognizing the individuality of each client and the need for
treatment based on that individuality.

DISEASE CONCEPT
2. Substance abuse disorders are chronic and lifestyle-related health problems that require
consistent long-term care, keeping clients in treatment for an adequate period of time at a
level of care appropriate to their recovery needs and making services readily available
during all stages of recovery and within a reasonable period of requested time.

MOTIVATION
3. The motivation to use and to not use exists simultaneously in the client. Treatment should
be provided that increases the clients’ motivation to not use and reduce the motivation to
use. The adverse physical, psychological, social, legal, and economic consequences of
using and the positive effects of Recovery should both be used as intervention points to  
motivation during treatment.

ACCEPTANCE
4. Treatment should focus on helping the client make changes that will return control of
his/her life back to the client. This includes helping the client accept their addiction
completely.  Treatment should provide the client with knowledge, understanding, and
motivation to work to take the steps to change

RECOVERY and RELAPSE
5. Recovery is a long-term developmental process that often includes relapses. Relapse  
does not mean treatment failure but is a part of the Recovery process. Relapse prevention
should therefore be part of both treatment and aftercare activities, but not be presented to
clients as permission to relapse. Building a life of Recovery cannot be done without a
knowledge of both addiction and recovery. Treatment should provide Recovery tools that
make such a life possible.

EVIDENCE BASED TREATMENT
6. Treatment should be evidence based and include reading assignments, writing
assignments, self-assessments questionnaires, group and individual counseling sessions,
study guides, and self-help support groups.

CONCURRENT DISORDERS
7. Treatment of concurrent disorders, including both therapy and medication is absolutely
essential as the return of symptoms can and will lead to relapses.

ALCOHOL and DRUG TESTING
8. Alcohol and other drug testing are part of  treatment providing the client with concrete
reasons not to use and  immediate response to relapse.

ASSESSMENTS and TREATMENT UPDATES
9. Treatment both begins and ends with assessments and treatment plan modification.



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12 Ellements of Recovery