Relative Importance of Abstinence in Clients’ and Clinicians’ Perspectives of Recovery from Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Abstract

This study collected data on drug and alcohol workers’ (n = 55) and clients’ (n = 139) perspectives on what constitutes a “recovery” from substance use disorder. Data were collected during 2010 from four residential faith-based treatment programs across the east coast of Australia. Self-report surveys specifically designed for this study were administered. Responses were compared using nonparametric test. Abstinence was seen as an important component of recovery but nonabstinent factors were also seen as having an important role. Staff placed more emphasis on clients taking responsibility for their problems and on the role of spiritual development. The importance of nonabstinence components was positively associated with a person's time in treatment and recovery. Implications, limitations, and future directions are noted.

RÉSUMÉ

L'abstinence et l'importance relative qu'elle joue dans les perspectives qu'ont clients et cliniciens touchant la guérison de l'abus de stupéfiants et d'alcool.

Abrégé

Les données rassemblées sur les stupéfiants et l'alcool dans cette étude sont axées sur les perspectives qu'ont travailleurs (n = 55) et clients (n = 139) sur ce qui constitue une ‘guérison’ d'un trouble de consommation de substances toxiques. Rassemblées durant l'année 2010 à travers la côte est de l'Australie, ces données proviennent de quatre programmes de traitement en établissements confessionnels. Tout spécialement conçus pour cette étude, des sondages d'auto-évaluation ont été administrés. Les réponses ont été comparées en utilisant des tests non paramétriques. On a trouvé que l'abstinence constituait un élément important de guérison mais on a aussi trouvé que des facteurs autres que la l'abstinence jouaient un rôle important. Le personnel a porté une attention plus particulière aux clients qui ont assumé la responsabilité de leurs problèmes et sur le rôle du développement spirituel. L'importance des éléments de non-abstinence a été associée de façon positive à la période durant laquelle la personne a été en traitement et à sa guérison. Les conséquences à tirer, les déficiences et les orientations futures sont prises en note. Cette étude a été financée par l'Armée du Salut australienne, Division des Territoires de l'Est (The Australian Salvation Army Eastern Territories Division).

RESUMEN

La importancia relativa de la abstinencia en las perspectivas de recuperación del abuso de drogas y alcohol para clientes y clínicos

Para el presente estudio se recogieron datos sobre las perspectivas de trabajadores (n = 55) y clientes (n = 139) en el campo de las drogas y alcohol en cuanto a lo que constituye una “recuperación” del trastorno del abuso de sustancias. Se recogieron los datos durante el año 2010 en cuatro programas de tratamiento ofrecidos por organizaciones religiosas a lo largo de la costa oriental de Australia. Se administraron encuestas de auto-informe diseñadas específicamente para este estudio. Se compararon las respuestas utilizando pruebas no-paramétricas. La abstinencia se vio como un componente importante en la recuperación pero se consideró que factores no-abstinentes también jugaban un papel importante. Los trabajadores pusieron mayor énfasis en la necesidad de que el cliente asumiera la responsabilidad por sus problemas y en el papel del desarrollo espiritual. La importancia de los componentes no-abstinentes se asociaba de forma positiva con el tiempo que el individuo pasara en tratamiento y recuperación. Se notan las implicaciones, limitaciones y orientaciones futuras. El estudio fue financiado por la División de los Territorios Orientales del Ejército de la Salvación de Australia.

Keywords :

• substance use disorders
• substance abuse
• recovery
• faith-based
• staff survey
• attitudes
• definition

THE AUTHORS

Ms Lauren Maffina (MSc) is a Clinical Psychologist from Sydney, Australia. She works in an inpatient mental health unit focusing on treatment for both substance use and other psychiatric disorders. The article is based on research from her Master's thesis.

Prof Frank P. Deane (PhD) is a Professor in the School of Psychology and Director of the Illawarra Institute for Mental Health at the University of Wollongong, Australia. He has research interests related to the effectiveness of treatments for mental illness and substance abuse problems in applied settings. He is interested in the components of treatment that contribute to effectiveness such as the roles of homework and the therapeutic alliance.

Dr Geoffrey C. B. Lyons (PhD) is a Clinical Psychologist and Associate Research Fellow at the Illawarra Institute for Mental Health at the University of Wollongong. His research in the drug and alcohol field has focused on the role of religion and spirituality in faith-based substance abuse programs. He is also interested in the implementation and evaluation of evidence-based practices in mental health services.

Dr Trevor P. Crowe (PhD) is a Senior Lecturer with the School of Psychology at the University of Wollongong, Australia. He currently co-coordinates a psychologists' registration course and several research projects covering a range of topics including coaching in mental health and substance abuse recovery settings, sports, and clinical supervision. He has developed several programs to support recovery and psychological growth including families, people with mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders, and clinicians. Trevor is a Psychologist, Psychotherapist and Certified Addictions Counsellor with over 24 years clinical experience.

Dr Peter J. Kelly (PhD) is a Cancer Institute New South Wales Research Fellow and is based at the School of Psychology, University of Wollongong. His research is focused on improving clinical treatments within substance abuse and mental health settings. He is particularly focused on the development and implementation of multiple health behavior change interventions within applied settings. Dr Kelly is a Clinical Psychologist.