New Trends in Prevention of Addictive Diseases

Overview

Some trends in the treatment and prevention of diseases related to alcohol, drugs and gambling are reviewed. Briefintervention is crucially important, considering high prevalence of addictive diseases. Motivation enhancementaccording to the stage of motivation is used in brief intervention and also during more comprehensive therapy.Psychological and pharmacological management of craving is used more than before. Close and systematicco-operation between professional services and Alcoholics Anonymous and/or other self-helping groups is commonand useful. Prevention of addictive diseases includes measures such as taxation, restriction of availability, age limits,restrictions of advertisements, and prevention of drinking under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. Effectiveschool based prevention utilises interactive programmes and training of relevant skills (e.g. refusal skills, relaxationand decision making). Prevention on family level includes appropriate family monitoring and rules, moderate andconsistent family discipline and family conflict resolution. Special attention should be paid to the children whoseparents are alcohol or drug dependent. These children should, even as adults, abstain fromalcohol and other addictivesubstances.

Key words:
addictive diseases, motivation, craving, alcoholics anonymous, prevention.