NCJ Number
171834
Journal
Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly Volume: 15 Issue: 4 Dated: (1997) Pages: 1-15
Date Published
1997
Length
15 pages
Annotation
After presenting an overview of the current understanding of addictive disease, including the distinction between abstinence and sobriety, this paper describes the Eagleville Recovery Program, which involves group therapy as the primary treatment modality.
Abstract
Addiction is a chronic disease, and addicted individuals must be educated about their disease and the fact that they will have it for life; also, they need to understand that abstinence from all psychoactive substances is the only way to guarantee continued sobriety. Whereas abstinence focuses on suppression, repression, and restraint, sobriety focuses on change and growth that does not include the use of addictive substances. In the Eagleville Recovery Program, each client's medical, psychosocial, educational, vocational, and psychiatric assessments are used to develop an individualized treatment plan. Group therapy is the primary treatment modality, supplemented by individual and family therapy, a unique adult basic education component, work therapy, and active involvement in the 12-step programs. Group therapy is important, because these clients often reject suggestions from professionals, but are willing to accept feedback from peers. Even minor achievements in the education program enhance clients' self-esteem and reinforce other areas of growth and change, and work therapy provides an opportunity to learn how to relate to a supervisor and "straight" coworkers. A case study from the program is provided. 11 references