Editorial

What We Know About Ourselves: Changing Attitudes About Treating Patients with Substance Use Disorders

Authors: Robert G. Bota, MD

Abstract

Patients with substance use disorders (SUD) are prevalent in most schools, hospitals, emergency departments, and in the criminal justice system.1 Society has come more and more to view substance abuse and dependence as an illness and to implement programs that help people recover and lead productive lives. Treatment of SUD has many shortcomings including limited evidence-based practice parameters2 and the typical relapsing and remitting course of this condition.

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References

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3. Lindberg M, Vergara C, Wild-Wesley R, et al. Physicians-in-training attitudes toward caring for and working with paitents with alcohol and drug abuse diagnoses. South Med J 2006;99:28–35.
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5. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association; 2000.
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