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Therapeutic Communities for Addictions: A Review of Their Effectiveness from a Recovery-Oriented Perspective
Joint Authors
Vanderplasschen, W.
Broekaert, Eric
Colpaert, Kathy
Autrique, Mieke
Vandevelde, Stijn
Pearce, S.
Rapp, R. C.
Source
Issue
Vol. 2013, Issue 2013 (31 Dec. 2013), pp.1-22, 22 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2012-12-16
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
22
Main Subjects
Medicine
Information Technology and Computer Science
Abstract EN
Therapeutic communities (TCs) for addictions are drug-free environments in which people with addictive problems live together in an organized and structured way to promote change toward recovery and reinsertion in society.
Despite a long research tradition in TCs, the evidence base for the effectiveness of TCs is limited according to available reviews.
Since most of these studies applied a selective focus, we made a comprehensive systematic review of all controlled studies that compared the effectiveness of TCs for addictions with that of a control condition.
The focus of this paper is on recovery, including attention for various life domains and a longitudinal scope.
We searched the following databases: ISI Web of Knowledge (WoS), PubMed, and DrugScope.
Our search strategy revealed 997 hits.
Eventually, 30 publications were selected for this paper, which were based on 16 original studies.
Two out of three studies showed significantly better substance use and legal outcomes among TC participants, and five studies found superior employment and psychological functioning.
Length of stay in treatment and participation in subsequent aftercare were consistent predictors of recovery status.
We conclude that TCs can promote change regarding various outcome categories.
Since recovering addicts often cycle between abstinence and relapse, a continuing care approach is advisable, including assessment of multiple and subjective outcome indicators.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Vanderplasschen, W.& Colpaert, Kathy& Autrique, Mieke& Rapp, R. C.& Pearce, S.& Broekaert, Eric…[et al.]. 2012. Therapeutic Communities for Addictions: A Review of Their Effectiveness from a Recovery-Oriented Perspective. The Scientific World Journal،Vol. 2013, no. 2013, pp.1-22.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1032914
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Vanderplasschen, W.…[et al.]. Therapeutic Communities for Addictions: A Review of Their Effectiveness from a Recovery-Oriented Perspective. The Scientific World Journal No. 2013 (2013), pp.1-22.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1032914
American Medical Association (AMA)
Vanderplasschen, W.& Colpaert, Kathy& Autrique, Mieke& Rapp, R. C.& Pearce, S.& Broekaert, Eric…[et al.]. Therapeutic Communities for Addictions: A Review of Their Effectiveness from a Recovery-Oriented Perspective. The Scientific World Journal. 2012. Vol. 2013, no. 2013, pp.1-22.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1032914
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1032914