Considering the Contemporary Issues and Unresolved Challenges Facing Therapeutic Communities for Clients with Alcohol and Substance Abuse

Abstract

Alcohol and substance abuse remain significant public health problems in many parts of the occidental world. Some facilities that provide treatment for such abuse often refer to themselves as “Therapeutic Communities” (TCs). However, fundamental compositional differences in TCs present unresolved issues and as such, create significant implications for research, practice, education, and substance/alcohol care policy. Accordingly, this paper examines the heterogeneity and efficacy of TCs; the treatment approaches of harm reduction and abstinence; the training of TC staff and workers; and the recommended length of stay for individuals seeking recovery.

Notes

¹ And similar views can be located in various international policy and position statements regarding working with people with experience substance/alcohol problems –see ‘War on Drugs: Report of the Global Commission on Drug Policy (2011) http://www.globalcommissionondrugs.org/reports/