12-step participation as a pathway to recovery: the Maryhaven experience and implications for treatment and research.
Maryhaven, a comprehensive, community-based drug abuse treatment facility, combines a core commitment to 12-step principles and practices with the use of scientifically derived treatment interventions. Treatment goals at Maryhaven include abstinence from substance abuse, patient engagement and progress in 12-step activities, and strong patient affiliation with 12-step organizations within the community. The author discusses the reasons why Maryhaven takes this approach, describes the program's use of empirically derived treatment tools to further 12-step objectives, argues that there are natural affinities between 12- step and some empirical treatment tools such as the Stages of Change model, and suggests research projects that he believes can improve treatment and illuminate the mechanisms by which 12-step activities help patients overcome addiction.
Maryhaven, Columbus, Ohio, USA. Gbrigham@maryhaven.com
Gregory S
GS
Brigham
D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012201:Reward; D012944:Social Support; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000628:therapy*