Working together to optimise Substance Abuse Treatment – “Treatment Works”

The Central Drug Authority held a Substance Abuse Treatment Conference Symposium with the theme

 

 “Working together to optimise Substance Abuse Treatment – “Treatment Works”

 

 in Kimberley from 12 – 14 November 2014.

 

A wide variety of presentations focused on the following:

· Access to services

· Standardised services

· Accreditation of services

· Holistic and Integrated services

· Medical treatment and detoxification

· Aftercare and reintegration programmes

· Accessibility and affordability

· Collaboration amongst stakeholders

· Community Based services

· Improved law enforcement

· Further research to be conducted

 

A number of interesting remarks were made that require further attention:

· One size fits all should be avoided at all cost. The statement was made that if we individualise treatment, patients cannot be admitted at the same time and be discharged at the same time.

· The duration of treatment should be longer – 3 months being regarded as optimal.

· Reasonable fees, attractiveness and quality of the service can ensure that more people access treatment. (Attractiveness not only refers to the physical infrastructure, but also to the attitude of staff members).

· Voluntary treatment is more effective than compulsory treatment.

· Substance abuse should be declared as specialised field requiring accredited multi-disciplinary professional practitioners. (A White Paper for certification and education of addiction professionals was made available by the Colombo Plan).

 

The advantage of a conference of this nature is that the attendee is given the opportunity to measure current practices with international trends and standards. In an ever developing and growing field of service, this information is of vital importance.

 

Ek vertrou dat elke leser van die Nuusbrief ‘n baie geseënde Kersfees en voorspoedige Nuwejaar sal beleef. Baie dankie vir u steun aan die Sentrum op welke manier ookal!