Editorial

In this issue, the Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly (ATQ) opens with three articles featuring evaluations of international Alcohol Use Disorder treatment program successes. Dr. Kalema’s team describes predictors of early recovery in Ugandan residential treatment programs that reflect an increase in Quality of Life. Stressing the importance of access to resources and association with peer groups, the Kougiali group evaluated outcomes for social space employing a noninterventionist peer-led approach within an aid service facility in England. In Malaysia, Mamat and colleagues report an optimal dose of methadone coupled with psychosocial therapy that decreases the incidence of illicit drug use in abstinence-based Oxford houses. Continuing the theme of medication assisted treatment (MAT) in Oxford houses, Jason et al. tackle an understudied area focused on the effects of social support on MAT recovery outcomes.

ATQ is committed to the reduction of stigma associated with Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders. Accepted language often has a strong impact on treatment as well as perceptions of the general public. Brown et al. explore the dilemma of labels having both contextual utilities and a stigmatizing effect.

The next two articles present novel approaches to therapy using art and creative writing as an instrument to improve patient recovery. In the first, the Tarp group recommend the inclusion of add-on creative workshops as a means to improve patient rehabilitation and quality of life. Stuebing and colleagues evaluated the efficiency of the Literacy-Free 12 Step Expressive Arts Therapy© curriculum and found higher completion rates and greater long-term investment in continued recovery.

Finally, McGee reviews the role of spirituality and spiritual awakening in facilitating recovery and Newton and Gallagher present a book review of Unspoken Legacy. The book is lauded as a resource for recovery with the caveat that those currently experiencing trauma and without a support system should refrain. As always, we appreciate reader comments and suggestions.