February 1, 2004
Intro to What Works
Good health care is possible when we have complete information available. Some examples:
- There are many cancers, and thanks to decades of multi-pronged medical research, many effective surgical, radiological, pharmaceutical, and other treatment options.
- There are many heart problems. They may be treated by any, or a combination of, angioplasty, bypass surgery, anti-cholesterol and hypertension medications, and counseling in nutrition and exercize.
- Depression, as well, varies in form and severity. It may be treated with a wide range of drugs, psychotherapy, coaching, and support.
In each case, early research produced findings which illuminated treatment options, benefits and risks. Additional research added to our understanding of the kinds and severity of different cancers, heart problems, and depression. As knowledge deepened, health care providers adapt their treatment and teaching in sync with the evidence.
Drinking problems are no different. There are many ways we get into maladaptive drinking patterns, multiple contributing factors, and a wide range of steps we can take in response.
In the What Works category, we’ll look at our options.
Disclaimer: Everything doesn’t work for everyone.
Identifying a technique, or a support group, or a program, or a drug that works doesn’t mean that it would work for all of us. (It’s the same as any other medical or behavioral issue that way.) It just means that folks have found it helpful, making it an option for us to be aware of and consider if it is a good fit for our unique circumstances.
(Not complete??? h4 sub-heads? rework the stepping-stone paragraph…)
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