Lead Story: Preaddiction—A Missing Concept for Treating Substance Use Disorders

Preaddiction—A Missing Concept for Treating Substance Use Disorders

JAMA Psychiatry

This opinion piece calls for intervention with mild to moderate SUD (as defined by DSM V) to interrupt the progression to severe SUD. They suggest the term preaddiction, similar to the concept of prediabetes. Engaging the public in screening and intervening with prediabetes has succeeded in halting progression. For SUD, existing interventions, such as screening and brief intervention and computerized cognitive behavioral therapy could be used. However, they expect a range of medications and social support services will also be needed. It will be necessary for medical and nursing schools to teach recognition and management of SUDs and for there to be adequate reimbursement for these interventions. The example of prediabetes demonstrates that an early intervention program can be effective.

 

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