Accumulated knowledge and experience in the treatment of substance abuse

Abstract

This article summarizes the accumulated knowledge and experience of people engaged in the institutional treatment of substance abusers in Sweden. The views of the respondents were obtained by means of the Delphi method, which entails compiling several rounds of written dialogue between researcher and respondents. The study had three rounds. The arguments of experienced staff concerning the professionalization of substance abuse treatment are presented, with the main emphasis being on general trends. At the time of the study, the main dividing line, according to the respondents, lies between the 12‐step program of Alcoholics Anonymous and psychotherapeutic programs. The majority of the respondents believe that knowledge of psychotherapy provides a better understanding of the treatment process. This finding is particularly evident among the staff of drug treatment institutions, two‐thirds of whom are of the opinion that acquiring proficiency in psychotherapy is a way to professionalize treatment. An important aspect is the quality of the relationship between therapist and client. The majority of the respondents believe that it is possible to define the criteria for good treatment.