NCJ Number
197268
Journal
Science & Practice Perspectives Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: July 2002 Pages: 30-35
Date Published
July 2002
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the integration of action therapy and trauma assessment into the drug treatment programs for women drug abusers.
Abstract
In this article, the authors discuss the drug treatment program for women available at CODA, Inc. in Portland, Oregon. CODA offers many services for women drug abusers that are crucial to their success in the treatment program. Such services include child care, parenting classes, transportation, housing, and medical care. The authors note that women have special needs when involved with drug treatment because they are likely to be primary caregivers and their addictions are often a result of past traumatic experiences. Thus, an effective treatment program must meet their needs as both mothers and victims of past trauma and drug abuse. CODA offers a biopsychosocial and spiritual model of treatment to women. It includes the use of action therapy, which involves elements of psychodrama, drama therapy, and role training. The authors explain that helping women overcome their trauma-related issues is the key to successful drug abuse treatment. However, the authors caution that direct questions about abuse and trauma during the initial intake of the client may discourage some women from committing to the treatment program. As such, it is important for researchers to develop a new tool that will allow counselors to gently probe for these sensitive issues in a way that will not drive clients away. In conclusion, the authors call for research concerning the outcomes of action therapy as well as toward the development of a new intake questionnaire that probes for issues of trauma in women. References