Infection Control in The Treatment Setting

Infection control is one of the most important elements of a safe treatment protocol. With the proliferation of infectious disease associated with drug use, there is ample opportunity for infection within a treatment center – especially if the staff is not properly trained. Understanding the basic principles of infection control, as well as prevention, is crucial to keeping the facility and indeed the community from suffering the effects of infectious diseases.

Pathogens can be airborne, can be spread through physical contact or via bodily fluids, allowing for plenty of opportunity for others in the facility to be infected. They can then, in turn, transmit that infection on to those close to them. The cycle continues.

The first step in effective infection control is practicing good prevention techniques. Cleanliness, both personal and facility wide, is extremely important in managing and preventing the spread of infection. Staff should wash their hands on a regular basis and effective disinfectant products should be used on surfaces that come in contact with potentially infectious clients. Further, mitigation of aggressive behaviors can reduce the risk of biting, scratching or cutting that can easily allow for the transmission of pathogens through bodily fluids.

The Academy for Addiction Professionals has just launched a two CEU continuing education course for those wanting to learn more about infection control. In addition to online delivery, we can also provide this continuing education class in class or on-site for treatment facilities that believe their staff can benefit. Infection control is an important part of every team member’s job and should be taken seriously – proper training is the first step in a rock-solid infection prevention and mitigation action plan.