It is imperative to clarify the meaning of the term "treatment" in the context
of alcohol and drug dependence. Treatment is often seen as being on a continuum,
in that there are various stages to alcohol and drug dependency when some form of
intervention can happen. Evidence suggests that a range of treatment options
encompassing both abstinence and harm reduction are essential, as no single
treatment is universally effective.
The various interventions considered on the treatment continuum include:
- Public health programmes and campaigns aiming at preventing uptake
of drugs and alcohol and/or minimising dependency and associated
issues
- Early intervention, screening and assessment
- Harm reduction, e.g. needle and syringe exchange programmes
- Opioid substitution therapy
- Residential Care
- Outpatient treatment