Changing Gears: How Public Health Management Corporation Integrates Health Promotion into Substance Abuse Treatment

Abstract

Summary

The majority of substance abuse treatment programs nationally utilize a narrowly defined treatment approach that focuses on the symptoms of addiction, but too often neglects other risk factors, such as psychological distress, physical health problems, and a lack of healthy social support networks.  Few facilities take into account the close relationship between clients’ physical health issues and their substance use, including the role that drugs and alcohol can play in compromising management of chronic illnesses and exacerbating symptoms.  As a result, individuals in recovery typically have higher rates of physical health problems and untreated health issues than their sober peers (Clark, Samnaliev, and McGovern, 2009; Meterns et al., 2001).   They are also at high risk for relapse once they leave treatment, given the number of co-occurring issues that have not been addressed.  Over the past several years, the substance abuse treatment programs for women operated by Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) have transitioned to a more comprehensive approach that recognizes the physical and social aspects of addiction, as well as the psychological aspects. PHMC’s Healthy Living Initiative (HLI) integrates nutrition, wellness, and fitness activities that are specifically geared toward helping clients develop healthy social support systems.  In particular, HLI has found biking to be a unique and promising activity.  By partnering with Gearing Up, a bicycling program for women in transition, PHMC has helped women to increase their sense of self-confidence and self-efficacy, improve physical health, and enhance treatment outcomes.