NCJ Number
230057
Journal
Families in Society Volume: 90 Issue: 4 Dated: October - December 2009 Pages: 390-398
Date Published
October 2009
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study explored the differences in treatment philosophy and service delivery of faith-based and secular substance abuse treatment programs and providers.
Abstract
The survey results indicate that faith-based treatment providers have very different views from secular treatment providers on the causes of substance abuse, human nature and morality, the role of science in addiction and treatment, and approaches to drug policy and drug treatment. The aims of the study were to examine the differences and similarities in therapeutic programs between religious treatment and non-religious treatment. A survey was conducted of 148 treatment providers. Eighty respondents were administrators and counselors of Teen Challenge USA (TC), the largest network of faith-based recovery programs in the United States. The comparison group consisted of 68 non-TC administrators and counselors. The survey examined perspectives on human nature and morality, perspectives on substance abuse and treatment, structural capacity of treatment facilities, client characteristics, service availability and utilization, and characteristics of the clinical staff. Findings of the survey show that important differences exist between religious treatment providers and non-religious treatment providers. The treatment philosophies of service providers determined not only what interventions were chosen and how the staff was recruited, but how well the therapeutic approach was matched to the needs of the clients. Recommendations are offered to both secular and faith-based treatment programs and providers. Tables and references