Various studies have employed quantitative and
qualitative methods in order to explore the process of behavioral change
emerging during a drug addiction treatment, i.e. the factors both encouraging and discouraging such change. Treatment has been
conceived as a process of maturation (“maturing out” theory) or as a sudden
behavioral change (“rock bottom experience”). This article focuses on the
qualitative approach of the therapeutic procedures of a residential treatment
program. The participants of the study were 46 clients undergoing a substances
treatment. In order to collect the data, we used the semi-structured interview.
All conversation data were taped and later on elaborated with the help of the
contextual content analysis. Three main categories derived from these analyses:
the supports and the barriers clients face, as well as the way they handle the
idea of changing during their addiction treatment. The findings highlight the importance
of communality within such a framework, emotional management, practical matters
the addicts must face, as well as the contribution of personal characteristics,
such as strong will and determination. The implications of
the study for clinical practice and future research are still debated.
Cite this paper
Flora, K. (2014). Change Process, Supports and Barriers in Residential Treatment Program: A Qualitative Approach. Open Access Library Journal, 1, e1095. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1101095.
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