Hundreds of studies have shown that alcohol and drug treatment is effective. While treatment often does not immediately elicit lifelong abstinence and recovery, dependent individuals who get treatment engage in less substance use, have fewer and less severe relapses, and suffer fewer health and social consequences of substance use than dependent individuals who do not get treatment. The WIPHL referral protocol is based on the trans-theoretical model of change and motivational interviewing principles (see references).

Patients who cannot afford treatment may be eligible for treatment funding through WIPHL. Patients who decline or cannot obtain treatment are offered additional sessions with WIPHL health educators. All such patients are encouraged to attend self-help groups. Alcohol-dependent and opioid-dependent patients are encouraged to consider discussing with their primary health care providers whether certain medications might be helpful for them.

References
Miller WR, Rollnick S. Motivational Interviewing (2nd edition). New York: Guilford, 2002

Prochaska JO, DiClemente C. The transtheoretical approach: crossing traditional boundaries of therapy. Homewood, IL: Dow Jones/Irwin, 1984

Useful Links
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: www.niaaa.nih.gov
National Institute on Drug Abuse: www.nida.nih.gov
Project Mainstream: www.projectmainstream.net
Alcoholics Anonymous: www.alcoholicsanonymous.org
SMART Recovery: www.smartrecovery.org
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Medication-Assisted Treatment