Books.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Overview
The majority of therapeutic communities treating drug users are `concept-based': they are hierarchical, and the staff and residents form a chain of command. Staff are often qualified for their work by virtue of having been residents in such a community themselves. In this authoritative new study, the authors explore the most significant differences in this concept-based approach, including their hierarchical structures, their confrontational group sessions and their total prohibition of drugs. The book also bridges the historical gap between these concept-based communities and democratic therapeutic communities, contributing significantly to the ongoing debate between them.The case studies of personal experiences of staff and residents make particularly interesting reading, as they provide an inside view of how this sort of therapeutic community actually operates. Rawlings and Yates conclude their study by looking to the future of therapeutic communities, investigating the research, funding and staff-training requirements needed for a truly effective concept-based approach.
Synopsis
Offering an overview of the development of therapeutic communities and their benefits, these 14 papers describe the current model of treatment in these communities, how it has been modified for use in different settings, the varieties of clients, and the actual operation of such efforts. Research evidence is reviewed and treatments evaluated in terms of effectiveness. Contributors are social workers, corrections officials, psychologists, sociologists, and drug and alcohol researchers from the United States, Europe, and Australia.
Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)