The human prerogative: a critical analysis of evidence-based and other paradigms of care in substance abuse treatment

Present-day substance abuse treatment is characterized by a compelling demand for applying evidence-based interventions. Vehement discussions between policymakers, practitioners and researchers illustrate this clash of differing paradigms. The aim of this article is to situate evidence-based practice among the leading paradigms of care and to elucidate its implicit assumptions and potential implications. Evidence-based practice is inherent in the empirical-analytical paradigm of care and science, founded upon randomized and controlled studies. This paradigm is compared with the phenomenological-existential and the critical post-structural paradigm, which focus on elaborating the human potential and exploring individuals' subjective interpretations, and on criticizing social inequalities and striving for compliance with human rights, respectively. Evidence-based practice and the methodological rigidity in each paradigm are analyzed critically. We conclude that through the dialectical integration of these diverse approaches, evidence, existence/humanism and social emancipation can be combined for the benefit of the human prerogative of care

Comparison of single and multiple agency clients in substance abuse treatment services

Background: Frequent and multiple service utilization among substance abusers is a well-known problem. However, little statistical evidence exists about overlapping agency populations. Methods: This phenomenon was studied in a clear-cut region in Belgium, based on intake information concerning all clients who addressed a drug treatment center within a 6-month period (n=1,139). Results: Multiple service utilization was rather common but not omnipresent during this particular registration period. Almost 15% of the clients were registered in more than one substance abuse treatment agency. Compared to single agency attendees, multiple agency clients appeared to be more often polysubstance abusers with a longer previous treatment history and greater problem severity. Conclusion: A continuous care perspective, interagency collaboration and a common tracking and documentation system are recommended to better address the needs of this specific subgroup of substance abusers. More research is needed to clarify whether these multiple service utilization patterns are caused by client-related, agency-related or other factors

Determinants of relapse and re-admission among alcohol abusers after intensive residential treatment

Little information is available in Belgium on the number and characteristics of alcohol abusers who contact treatment agencies and on the effectiveness of these services. International research has identified some determinants of relapse and recovery after treatment, but additional research is needed in order to better tailor services to the needs of service users. This study aimed at measuring abstinence and relapse among alcohol abusers (n=249) after intensive, residential treatment in specialized units in five Belgian psychiatric hospitals. Six month outcomes concerning substance use, psychological health, social support and integration were studied using the EuropASI. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of relapse and readmission in these centres. Significant reductions in the severity of alcohol and psychological problems were observed, but six months after the initial treatment episode more than half of all respondents (54%) had been using alcohol regularly. The domains ‘psychiatric problems’ and ‘patients’ personal perspectives’ were the best predictors of relapse and readmission. Also, ‘patients’ living situations’ predicted relapse. Specific variables that independently predicted relapse were ‘satisfaction with day activities’ and ‘number of days with problems due to alcohol’. Less severe psychiatric problems at the start of treatment and more severe psychiatric problems and negative feelings of wellbeing at the time of follow-up were independent predictors of readmission. We conclude that treatment agencies need to recognize the relapsing nature of alcohol abuse and have to organize their services from a continuing care perspective, including specific attention for individuals’ psychological needs and day/leisure activities