How do Residents of Recovery Houses Experience Confrontation between Entry and 12-Month Follow-Up?

Abstract

The role of confrontation in recovery has been vigorously debated. Proponents suggest confrontation can break down denial and increase motivation. Critics point to counseling studies showing confrontation harms the therapeutic alliance and increases resistance. Frequently missing in these debates is an operational definition of confrontation that can be reliably measured. The Alcohol and Drug Confrontation Scale (ADCS) is a new 72-item measure that defines confrontation as “warnings about potential harm” that might result from substance use (e.g., arrests, loss of job, loss of relationships, etc.). Previous psychometric work indicated the ADCS had acceptable reliability and validity when administered to 323 individuals entering recovery houses. Confrontation from different sources (e.g., family, friends and professionals) was generally experienced as supportive and helpful. The goals of the current study were twofold: (1) to see if the psychometric properties of the ADCS among the same sample were maintained at six and 12 month follow-up, and (2) to see if experiences and perceptions of confrontation changed over time. Despite minor variations in the factor structure between baseline and follow-up, the ADCS generally maintained good reliability and validity. At follow-up, the amount of confrontation participants received declined, but it continued to be generally experienced as supportive and helpful.

Keywords:

• confrontation
• recovery
• residential treatment
• social support