Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
Volume 30, Issue 1 , Pages 49-61, January 2006

Contrasting faith-based and traditional substance abuse treatment programs

  • James Alan Neff, Ph.D., M.P.H.

      Affiliations

    • College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Research College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA. Tel.: +1 757 683 6482; fax: +1 757 683 4753.
    • ,
  • Clayton T. Shorkey, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
    • Tel.: +1 512 471 0520; fax: +1 512 471 9514.
    • ,
  • Liliane Cambraia Windsor, M.S.S.W.

      Affiliations

    • School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
    • Tel.: +1 512 471 0520; fax: +1 512 471 9514.

Received 29 December 2003; received in revised form 31 August 2005; accepted 6 October 2005.

Abstract 

This article (a) discusses the definition of faith-based substance abuse treatment programs, (b) juxtaposes Durkheim's theory regarding religion with Simpson (2004) treatment process model to highlight key dimensions of faith-based and traditional programs, and (c) presents results from a study of seven programs to identify key program dimensions and to identify differences/similarities between program types. Focus group/Concept Mapping techniques yielded a clear “spiritual activities, beliefs, and rituals” dimension, rated as significantly more important to faith-based programs. Faith-based program staff also rated “structure and discipline” as more important and “work readiness” as less important. No differences were found for “group activities/cohesion” and “role modeling/mentoring,” “safe, supportive environment,” and “traditional treatment modalities.” Programs showed substantial similarities with regard to core social processes of treatment such as mentoring, role modeling, and social cohesion. Implications are considered for further research on treatment engagement, retention, and other outcomes.

Keywords: Substance abuse treatment, Faith-based treatment, Health disparities, Concept Mapping

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PII: S0740-5472(05)00197-2

doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2005.10.001

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
Volume 30, Issue 1 , Pages 49-61, January 2006

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