Drug Rehab Programs

It is essential that mental health or addictions/drug rehab programs maintain a high level of sensitivity toward the unique needs of special populations, including those of gay, lesbian, and transgendered clients. For example, the alcohol and drug rehab program must appreciate the impact of issues such as societal prejudice toward the client's lifestyle when partnering in recovery.

Promoting Risk Reduction

Other issues to be addressed in the behavioral and alcohol and drug rehab program should include a full range of educating on risk behaviors in treatment (as appropriate), including syringe sharing and unsafe sex, as well as instruction on and linkage to advocacy resources and screening services.

Developing skills and promoting risk reduction are important in the behavioral and alcohol and drug rehab program, as is ensuring treatment for any physical and mental health problems (such as tuberculosis; hepatitis A, B, and C; sexually transmitted diseases other than HIV/AIDS; dental problems; diabetes; poor nutrition; and depression).

For clients with HIV/AIDs, the behavioral and alcohol and drug rehab program should work closely with local specialty organizations such as HIV support agencies, in addition to the individual's primary care physician to promote risk reduction. This collaboration is especially important when the person is starting, stopping, or changing HIV/AIDS treatment to ensure understanding of the impact of adherence to antiretrovirals.

Conjoint therapy with broad support systems, most especially relationships important to the client, should also be included within all behavioral and alcohol and drug rehab programs to broaden the person's support network.