New Seminal Monograph from William L White

I'm back after a period of looking after my three youngest children during their summer visit - and a period of recovery!

I have just received notification from William L White of his new publication, 'Recovery Management and Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care: Scientific Rationale and Promising Practices', that has just gone to press and can be downloaded from the Faces and Voices of Recovery website. As pointed out by Arthur C. Evans in his Prologue, this monograph will be regarded as a seminal work in the addictions treatment literature, as it is the most comprehensive attempt to lay out the empirical support for moving to recovery-oriented systems of care.

In America, there is a major shift in thinking about how we must help people overcome serious substance use problems. There is a shift away from focusing on the problem (addiction) to focusing on the lived solution (long-term addiction recovery). There is also 'a shift away from crisis-oriented, professionally directed, acute-care approach with its emphasis on isolated treatment episodes, to a recovery management approach that provides long-term supports and recognizes the many pathways to healing.' 

This approach is key to society improving long-term outcomes of addiction treatment. We in the UK have no option but to follow the approach being adopted in America. Our overall success as a nation in helping people overcome serious substance use problems and find recovery has been disappointing over recent years, despite a significant investment in funding from government. 

Whilst a shift to a recovery-oriented system of care represents a major challenge for this country, we are very fortunate in being able to read the writings of Bill White and implement the changes that are being advocated. White is providing a framework that can be used to guide the planning of policy makers and help them understand the key issues that must be addressed.   

I urge people working in this field to read this seminal monograph! There is a lot to take in and think about, but the people suffering from substance use problems deserve us devoting the attention that is needed.

Watch Mike Ashton talking about addiction and recovery

I recently watched some film clips of Mike Ashton, a leading researcher taking part in the Lifeline film series, which re-emphasised to me the unjust way that society treats people with a drug problem. And helps exacerbate the drug problem. I can strongly recommend a quick look at Mike's film clips.

In society today, we have a climate that works against people overcoming drug use problems. We stigmatise people with a drug problem, in particular those who use heroin. We criminalise users and make it more difficult for them to find social support, housing and a job. We make it more difficult for them to access treatment by placing the treatment system within the criminal justice system - many users feel they will be stigmatised by accessing this system. The leader of the National Treatment Agency even tells problematic drug users that the only reason the government is interested in helping them is because heroin users are a threat to society because of the crime they commit.

People with a drug problem are often told that they have a chronic relapsing condition (addiction) and given little hope that they can overcome their problem. The social capital that they require to help them on the path to recovery has often been stripped away - as a society we contribute to this stripping away, and do not help alleviate the situation as much as we could.

People with drug and alcohol problems need to help themselves in finding their path to recovery. However, it is very much easier for them to do this when they have the understanding and support of people close to them and in the wider community.

Benefit clampdown on heroin and crack users

I (Kevin) read with interest, yesterday's Daily Dose that highlighted the recent announcement of a benefits clampdown on heroin and crack addicts. It seems that the numbers of addicts in this country who are receiving benefits, could be as high as 300,000 people. 

While I like the idea of more people being offered treatment, I think being forced into said treatment is a totally different ball-game. In fact it could even cost the tax payer more than just keeping people in benefits. In my experience, when people are forced into doing something they either don't want to or are not ready for, than usually it tends to fail and what happens then?

But I think I need to backtrack a little. Firstly, I'd like to know what kind of treatment is going to be on offer? At the moment treatment just seems to consist of a substitute prescription - is that what this is? A scheme to get more people on methadone against their will? To subdue them, keep them quiet and then forget about them!

If people are going to be offered a complete range of treatment options, and ongoing aftercare for as long as they need it, then great bring it on. But call me cynical if you like, when I say this just isn't going to happen. I fear this is just another second rate response geared to raking in more votes. Labour knows that the next general election is lost, and is once again announcing measures it is not going to be able to follow up on. Empty promises once again!

I hope this isn't the case and that it is going to be worthwhile venture - but my gut tells me differently! I'd like to know what the Daily Dose readers think of this announcement - please email me or leave your comments on the blog for everybody to see.

Wired In Charter

Over the next couple of weeks, I am going to tell you more about our organisation Wired In, formerly known as WIRED.

As you can see from our logo, we are focused on helping people find recovery from addiction. At the same time, we believe strongly in helping people overcome substance use problems before they become serious. We work not only with people with substance use problems, but also their families and friends, as well as practitioners working in the field.

In this Blog, I thought I would introduce you to our Charter, which describes the principles on which we operate as individuals and as an organisation.

WIRED IN CHARTER

1. Wired In exists because of the problems that drugs and alcohol can sometimes cause for individuals and their families.

2. Wired In is founded upon Trust: we are independent, objective and honest. Wired In is about being creative, and having the courage to challenge.

3. We aim to create an environment of opportunity, choice and hope for people affected by substance use problems.

4. We treat people with respect and dignity, and work as a mutually supportive team, in a spirit that we hope inspires others.

5. Wired In is an inclusive, non-competitive initiative that seeks to enhance the impact and reach of the best practice of successful organisations.

6. We are not about a quick fix, but realise that positive change often takes time. Poor systems and protocols must be improved to ensure that people get the help that they deserve.

7. We challenge society over the stigmatisation and stereotyping of people affected by substance use problems.

8. We believe it is essential to provide information and support and to people experiencing all levels of substance use problems, rather than simply focusing on those with the most serious needs.

9. We do not promote any one particular philosophy or treatment intervention. We take an approach that focuses upon key principles that are known to lead to behavioural change and facilitate the path to recovery.

10. The energy and experience of people affected by substance use problems is at the core of what we do. We harness this to give them a voice, enabling them to help themselves and others, and influence practice and policy and the views of society.