Current drug addiction rehabilitation best practices are reflected in the Portage treatment program. Their presence, within a structured and safe residential setting, increases the effectiveness of the interventions undertaken at Portage.
Drug addiction rehabilitation best practices
- Individualised client-centered, treatment planning, supported by motivational interviewing;
- Harm reduction is most effective in maintaining a client in treatment;
- Systems approach, viewing clients in the context of their community and family;
- Treatment should be caring, respectful, safe and open;
- Mental, spiritual, emotional ,and physical person needs should be considered;
- Learning should be experiential;
- Positive psychology approach;
- Using skill development to enhance self-esteem;
- The system must be client-centered and culturally competent where the client and their families are actively involved in treatment planning and treatment decisions;
- Access should be through a low threshold, no wrong door approach, and be available whereever and whenever a client enters the treatment continuum;
- Treatment should be comprehensive with duration dictated by the client's changing needs and motivation.
Evidence-based treatment techniques
- Skill development exercises, including role-playing, active rehearsal, and repetitive practice;
- Cognitive-behavioural relapse prevention training;
- High risk identification training;
- Problem-solving skills training;
- Coping skills training (e.g., dealing with "cravings" and "urges");
- Motivational interviewing/motivational enhancement techniques;
- Employment skills training;
- Behavioural marital counseling (where applicable);
- Stress management training;
- Maintenance, "booster" sessions, monitoring, and after care;
- Community reinforcement and support services.