WHY ARE SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS SO DIFFICULT TO TREAT? AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

Substance-related disorders are chronic and potentially relapsing disorders, consisting in a current public health problem. The goal of this literature review was to provide an overview about the theme, integrating the recent neurobiological findings and to clarify the factors involved in the development of a substance use disorder, which may be specific therapeutic targets.A Medline/Pubmed search was performed with the combination of the following keywords: “substance use disorders” or “substance addiction” or “drug addiction” and  “treatment” or “psychiatric comorbidity” or “dual diagnosis” or “cognitive impairment” between 2008 and 2016. The search was restricted to articles published in English. Results suggested that the development of a substance use disorder as well its use pattern may be influenced by several factors. Available therapeutic approaches such as behavioral therapies and pharmacotherapies have shown a modest effect. Treatment of substance use disorders continues to present difficulties and challenges to mental health professionals. There is an urgent need for research on therapeutic options in this field.