What is the Addictions Recovery Measurement System
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Understanding the Addictions Recovery Measurement System (ARMS)
Overview
On a wooden ladder, 15 feet high, I found myself at the top of an old platform in Thailand, experiencing the pungent scent of animal dung. As my wife and I ventured to ride on the back of an 8,000-pound elephant, the old guide offered advice and a shaky bamboo seat. Despite my initial fear, the serene trek through the jungle was unforgettable, much like facing the realities of addiction.
I was reminded of the metaphorical "elephant in the living room"?"a reference to the denial families often exhibit when dealing with addictive behaviors. Many families ignore the obvious signs of addiction, hoping the problem will disappear, though it seldom does.
Poly-Behavioral Addiction and ARMS
This metaphor leads us to the concept of Poly-Behavioral Addiction, which spans across various forms like sex addiction, gambling, and substance abuse. Acknowledging its presence is the first step to recovery.
The Addictions Recovery Measurement System (ARMS) is a tool designed for healthcare providers to track recovery progress. It draws from both old and new methods?"much like an elephant handler's instructions: dig in, guide carefully, and pay close attention. ARMS provides structure in dealing with multi-faceted addictions by offering a comprehensive measurement system.
The Multi-Dimensional Approach
Experts assert that addiction must be considered alongside biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors. In 1990, over 50% of deaths in the U.S. were linked to behaviors like poor diet and substance use. Currently, the significant threat is "Syndrome X," which includes obesity, high blood pressure, and other metabolic issues?"often interconnected with addiction.
Approximately 73 million Americans might benefit from understanding behavioral addiction, considering the prevalence of obesity and other dependency-related issues.
Improving Healthcare Systems
Healthcare systems often lack standard measures for evaluating outcomes. ARMS proposes a shift from a symptom-focused model to a holistic one that assesses various life domains. This is crucial since many are advocating for a multidimensional approach that considers all aspects of health, rather than looking solely at symptom reduction.
Features of ARMS
ARMS is designed to assist healthcare professionals with:
1. Delivering quality patient care.
2. Tracking health risk reductions.
3. Adhering to preventive health guidelines.
4. Supporting national health initiatives.
5. Complying with healthcare standards for outcome measures.
6. Transitioning to a holistic healthcare model.
7. Ensuring effective treatment and program sustainability.
The system uses 12 primary tools to achieve goals like diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning. Incorporating a performance-based, non-confrontational point system, ARMS helps monitor patient progress across six dimensions from admission to discharge.
A Call to Action
ARMS is a crucial tool in the battle against poly-substance and behavioral addictions. With lifestyle addictions causing significant deaths and economic costs annually, swift action is needed to combat these issues effectively.
For more information, visit [Behavioral Addictions](http://www.geocities.com/drslbdzn/Behavioral_Addictions.html).
About the Author
James Slobodzien, Psy.D., CSAC, is a licensed psychologist and certified substance abuse counselor in Hawaii, bringing over 20 years of expertise in mental health, specializing in substance abuse and behavioral addictions.
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