Case Report: An Integrated Approach to Substance Abuse Recovery and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: A Case Study in Rehabilitation

This report analyzes the case of Melissa Hanchon, an individual who successfully navigated recovery from alcohol use disorder through a combination of judicial intervention and comprehensive healthcare services. The case highlights a replicable model that directly supports several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of health, justice, and institutional partnerships. Ms. Hanchon’s journey from three alcohol-related arrests to sustained sobriety demonstrates the efficacy of a structured, multi-faceted support system.

Advancing SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Target 3.5: Strengthening Substance Abuse Treatment

The case is a clear illustration of progress toward SDG Target 3.5, which aims to strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including the harmful use of alcohol. The intervention for Ms. Hanchon involved a robust, personalized treatment plan facilitated by Sanford Health, which included:

• Initial Assessment: A comprehensive evaluation by an addiction counseling specialist, Amanda Rohloff, to understand the scope of the dependency.
• Integrated Mental Health Support: Concurrent therapy with a mental health professional, Charly VanGrinsven, to address the underlying causes and co-occurring mental health challenges associated with addiction.
• Group Therapy: Mandatory participation in multiple weekly group sessions, providing peer support and shared learning, a core component of sustained recovery.
• Personalized Coping Mechanisms: Development of tailored strategies, such as personifying the addiction (“Sally the Sailor”), to empower the patient in managing cravings and triggers.

This integrated care model, which addresses both the addiction and its root causes, is fundamental to achieving long-term well-being as envisioned by SDG 3.

Fulfilling SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The DWI Court: An Effective and Accountable Institution

Ms. Hanchon’s entry into recovery was facilitated by the DWI Court, an 18-month judicially supervised program. This initiative exemplifies an effective institution (SDG 16.6) that promotes rehabilitative justice over punitive measures, contributing to the rule of law and equal access to justice (SDG 16.3). The program’s structure provides a framework for accountability and growth.

1. Judicial Supervision: The program is overseen by a judge, ensuring compliance and structure.
2. Mandatory Counseling: Participants are required to attend a minimum of three group meetings per week, with attendance verified for judicial review.
3. Rigorous Monitoring: The program includes rigid drug and alcohol testing and regular communication with a probation officer.

By offering a treatment-focused alternative to incarceration, the DWI Court functions as a strong institution that fosters public health and reduces recidivism, aligning perfectly with the principles of SDG 16.

Achieving Goals through SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

A Model of Cross-Sector Collaboration

The success of this case is rooted in the powerful partnership between a judicial institution (DWI Court) and a healthcare provider (Sanford Health). This collaboration is a prime example of SDG 17 in action, where different sectors work together to achieve a common objective. While the court mandated participation in a recovery framework, Sanford Health provided the specialized, compassionate, and team-based clinical care necessary for that recovery to take hold. This synergy ensures that individuals within the justice system receive the comprehensive health services needed for genuine rehabilitation.

Addressing SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality)

Ensuring Equitable and Gender-Responsive Care

The treatment model demonstrates a commitment to reducing inequalities (SDG 10) by providing accessible, high-quality care. The program’s personalized approach ensures that treatment is tailored to individual needs, including health status and severity of dependency. Furthermore, the availability of diverse support systems contributes to equitable outcomes.

• Personalized Treatment Paths: The program offers opportunities for group sessions catered to specific demographics, including men or women, which supports SDG 5 by creating safe, gender-responsive environments for recovery.
• Accessible Services: The availability of online appointments and therapy opportunities helps overcome barriers to access, ensuring more people can receive help.
• Team-Based Support: The “no gatekeeping” philosophy at Sanford Health, where the entire team supports each patient, creates an inclusive and non-judgmental environment crucial for engaging vulnerable individuals.

By providing a supportive and adaptable framework, the program works to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, have the opportunity to achieve health and well-being.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The article’s central theme is Melissa Hanchon’s journey to sobriety from alcohol addiction. This directly relates to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being. The narrative focuses on the treatment of substance abuse (“recovering from alcohol,” “alcohol use disorder”) and the interconnectedness of addiction and mental health (“Addiction and mental health go hand in hand”). The role of health care providers and structured programs like “Sanford Health’s addiction counseling programs” and the “DWI Court” in facilitating recovery is a core element, aligning perfectly with the objectives of SDG 3.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.

   • The article is a case study of this target in action. Melissa’s story revolves around overcoming the “harmful use of alcohol.”
   • It highlights treatment programs such as the “DWI Court, an 18-month judicially supervised treatment program” and the services provided by “Sanford Health licensed alcohol and drug counselors.”
   • The support system described, including individual counseling, group sessions, and a collaborative team approach, represents the “treatment of substance abuse” mentioned in the target.

2. Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

   • The article explicitly links addiction, a non-communicable condition, to the risk of premature death. Amanda Rohloff, the counselor, notes, “She knew if she ever picked up a drink again, she would die.” Melissa’s recovery is a direct example of preventing this outcome.
   • The promotion of mental health is a significant theme. The article states, “Addiction and mental health go hand in hand,” and describes how Melissa worked with a “mental health therapist who works with patients struggling with addiction” to address the underlying reasons for her drinking.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Indicator 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, psychosocial and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for substance use disorders.

   • The article provides a detailed account of the coverage of such interventions. Melissa utilized a “judicially supervised treatment program,” attended a “minimum of three group meetings a week,” and engaged in extensive psychosocial support through “Sanford Health’s addiction counseling programs.”
   • The availability of specialized counselors like Amanda Rohloff and Charly VanGrinsven, and personalized treatment paths (“addiction treatment is personalized with a path that accommodates age, overall health and severity of dependency”) are direct examples of treatment coverage.

2. Indicator 3.5.2: Harmful use of alcohol.

   • The article directly references a key metric related to this indicator by citing the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: “an estimated 29.3 million adults in the United States had alcohol use disorder in 2022.” This statistic quantifies the scale of the “harmful use of alcohol” in a specific population.
   • Melissa’s personal story, including “three arrests involving alcohol and automobiles” and disruptions in her family life, serves as a qualitative illustration of the consequences of harmful alcohol use that this indicator aims to track and reduce.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

Source: news.sanfordhealth.org