Treatment of Alcohol and Other Drug Disorders in Europe: Four Case Studies

ABSTRACT

A case study approach reviewed 4 alcohol/other drug disorders treatment agencies in Europe. Outstanding substance abuse treatment agencies in Europe are adopting motivational interviewing and cognitive behavior therapy similar to their counterparts in the United States. They also are moving toward a harm reduction approach in recognizing that alcohol/other drug dependency is a chronic illness that must be treated on a recurring basis. Some unique strategies provide ideas for improvement of U.S. programs. However, a common barrier to improving treatment is a lack of capacity to collect and use data and difficulties in following clients after they leave treatment.

KEYWORDS:

• Alcohol/other drug disorder treatment
• Europe
• England
• Germany
• the Netherlands
• Sweden

Notes

Acknowledgments:

A service award to the author from the Deans' Oversight Council of the Oregon MPH Program funded this project. Appreciation is expressed to Chris Hannaby, Director of Vale House in Hertford, England; Max Hopperdietzel, Divisional Manager, Mudra Job Projects in Nuremberg, Germany; Mark Schramade, Director, Roel Kerssemakers, Senior Prevention Worker, and Laura Franklin, Staff Worker, at the Jellinek Institute in Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Mirjam Schieveld, Manager of the Summer Institute and Special Programs at the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Marianne Melkersson, Strategic Projects Director at the Sahlgrenska University Hospitals in Västra Götalandsregionen based in Gothenberg, Sweden; and Lillemor Svensson, Head Nurse of the Adolescent Psychiatric Service, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Östra, Västra Götalandsregionen in Gothenberg, Sweden.