Alcohol addiction, bulimia and spirituality : a portfolio of evaluation research and practice

• Main Author: Buabeng, Frank K.
• Published: City University London 2007
• Subjects: 150.724
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.492252

The Minnesota Model oftreatmentfor alcohol addiction is a common intervention that is widely employed in the UK. Despite its popularity, outcome evaluations ofthis approach are scarce. This study describes the Minnesota Model alcohol addiction treatment programme that is delivered at a non-statutory organisation in the UK andpresentsfindings from an evaluation of its outcomes. A single-group quasi-experimental pre-post design is employed that includes a no treatment andpartial treatment control group. The study population comprised all clients . (n=478) who were assessed at the organisation between May 2001 and October 2005. All potential participants were contacted to obtain their informed consent. In total, 137participants agreed to take part in the study and baseline information was obtainedfrom archivedpretreatment assessment data. Ofthese participants, there are three groups ofclients who varied in their level ofengagement with the organisation. GROUP A were assessed but did not participate further (n=18); GROUP B began the programme but were dischargedfor various reasons (n=31); and, GROUP C completed the treatmentprogramme (n=55). Outcome measures include drinking and non-drinking outcomes. Results show a highly significant (p<0.0001) association between completion oftreatment andcontinued abstinence. Atpost-treatmentfollow-up ofone to three or mOore years, 58% ofparticipants completing the programme, reported continuous abstinence from all psychoactive substances. This constituted a meanfollow-up period of2.07 yearsfor participants completing treatment. These findings are exciting and unparalleled in the alcohol addiction treatment outcome literature.