Treatment Outcomes and Perceived Benefits: A Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of a Women's Substance Abuse Treatment Program

Abstract

This study examines outcomes of a women's substance abuse treatment program based on empowerment, choice, and client/therapist collaboration. The program was assessed through qualitative and quantitative research methods. The article includes extensive quotes from six client interviews as well as data from pre-post surveys of 50 women in the treatment program. Results show that the women felt they benefited from the collaborative treatment approach. Benefits to the women included feeling more empowered and learning to take responsibility for their lives. The importance of taking a broad view of recovery that includes ongoing evaluation of positive changes in various areas of the clients' lives is discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Alcohol
• alternative treatment models
• empowerment
• feminist
• substance abuse
• treatment
• women

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Miriam Liss, Dwight McCall, Leo Rigsby, and Mary Rigsby for their insightful comments on drafts of this manuscript.

Notes

N = 50.

All tests were evaluated at p < .005.