For the purposes of this particular class assignment and without funding being an issue, this article will seek to create a treatment/prevention program for those who have been affected by the effects of drug addiction/dependence. Additionally, it will seek to describe a comprehensive model for treating this population. The mission would be to eliminate the devastating impact of drug addiction on those affected: chemically dependent individuals, those with a history of drug addiction/abuse, families/children, and communities. The goal is to achieve and maintain abstinence for people addicted to alcohol and other substances so that they can develop a restorative lifestyle. Finally, this article will attempt to incorporate theoretical models and seek to identify appropriate intervention based on strategies and modalities. Definition of Substance Dependence/Abuse: Substance dependence, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), refers to "a group of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms indicating that the individual continues to use the substance despite significant substance-related problems, while substance abuse, also known as drug addiction, refers to "a pattern of maladaptive substance use manifested by recurrent adverse consequences and important effects linked to repeated substance use. Substance abuse is considered a complex disorder that can involve virtually every aspect of an individual's functioning as it relates to family, work/school, and community. According to the DSM-IV-TR, clinical criteria for substance dependence (addiction)/abuse include compulsive drug use despite harm...... middle of paper ......environmental risk. There is extensive research on cognitive impairments associated with chronic and severe disorders According to Locke & Newcomb (2004), Works cited Abadinsky, H. (2011). Drug Use and Abuse: A Comprehensive Introduction, 7th ed. Belmont, CA: Thompson/Wadsworth. American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision, (DSM-IV-TR). Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2000. Chasnoff, I. J. (1988). Newborns with drug withdrawal symptoms. Pediatrics in Review, 9, 273-277. Handler, A., Kristin, N., Davis, F., & Ferre, C. (1991). Cocaine use during pregnancy: perinatal outcome. American Journal of Epidemiology, 133, 818-825. Jaffe, J. H. (1975). Drug addiction and abuse. The pharmacological basis of therapy (pp. 284-324), MacMillan, New York.