How Intense Is Too Intense? A Qualitative Exploration of a Structured Day Treatment Program for Substance Dependency in the United Kingdom

ABSTRACT

Very little is known as to why day treatment has an influence on recovery efforts from substance addiction. Using a qualitative methodology, the coauthors interviewed 16 clients who attended a 12-Step, abstinence-based day treatment program. Attendance was found to have substantial improvements for clients but was also marred with organizational and structural issues surrounding aftercare. The coauthors conclude that intensive, 12-Step, nonresidential programs such as the one studied here offers a promising approach for those wishing to become abstinent but the intensity of structured day programs can pose problems for people when they leave treatment.

KEYWORDS:

• day treatment
• recovery
• alcohol
• drugs
• dependence
• community