1. Krista Conger maintains that twelve-step programs are more likely to lead to abstinence than are cognitive-behavioral programs that teach coping skills. Maia Szalavitz does not dispute that twelve-step programs are effective for some people, but she argues that the treatment community’s emphasis on these programs discourages those who might require more medically based treatment options. Based on the evidence these authors provide, do you think health care practitioners should emphasize twelve-step programs at the exclusion of other treatments? Explain, citing from the texts.
2. Do you agree with Kevin Courcey’s assessment of the study conducted by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse? Why or why not?
3. Sharon Stancliff argues that methadone is an effective treatment for heroin addiction. I.E. Hawksworth claims that heroin addicts abuse methadone programs and recommends different treatment strategies. Stancliff is a physician and director of a...