Foreword
More than 20 years of research has shown that addiction is clearly
treatable. Addiction treatment has been effective in reducing drug use
and HIV infection, diminishing the health and social costs that result
from addiction, and decreasing criminal behavior. The National
Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), which supports more than 85 percent
of the world's research on drug abuse and addiction, has found
that behavioral approaches can be very effective in treating cocaine
addiction.
To ensure that treatment providers apply the most current scientifically
supported approaches to their patients, NIDA has supported
the development of the "Therapy Manuals for Drug Addiction" series.
This series reflects NIDA's commitment to rapidly applying basic findings
in real life settings. The manuals are derived from those used
efficaciously in NIDA-supported drug abuse treatment studies. They
are intended for use by drug abuse treatment practitioners, mental
health professionals, and all others concerned with the treatment of
drug addiction.
The manuals present clear, helpful information to aid drug treatment
practitioners in providing the best possible care that science has to
offer. They describe scientifically supported therapies for addiction and
provide guidance on session content and how to implement specific
techniques. Of course, there is no substitute for training and supervision,
and these manuals may not be applicable to all types of
patients nor compatible with all clinical programs or treatment
approaches. These manuals should be viewed as a supplement to,
but not a replacement for, careful assessment of each patient, appropriate
case formulation, ongoing monitoring of clinical status, and
clinical judgment.
The therapies presented in this series exemplify the best of what we
currently know about treating drug addiction. As our knowledge
evolves, new and improved therapies are certain to emerge. We look
forward to continuously bringing you the latest scientific findings
through manuals and other science-based publications. We welcome
your feedback about the usefulness of this manual series and any
ideas you have about how it might be improved.
Nora D. Volkow, M.D.
Director
National Institute on Drug Abuse
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