RECOVERING SUBSTANCE-ABUSE STAFF MEMBERS BELIEFS ABOUT ADDICTION

This study of 329 substance abuse treatment staff assessed how recover y status, in combination with other variables, influences beliefs abou t the causes and treatment of substance abuse. About 15% (n = 47) of p articipants were ''in recovery'' from substance abuse problems; these staff members were not significantly different than nonrecovering staf f members on education, age, race/ethnicity, years of clinical experie nce, or amount of client contact When examined in a multiple regressio n equation that also included age, education, and treatment program go als and activities, staff members' recovery status was not associated with endorsement of disease and psychosocial models of substance abuse . However, being in recovery was associated with endorsing an eclectic approach to substance abuse treatment. The importance of recognizing the diversity of beliefs about substance abuse among recovering staff and of acknowledging that multiple influences affect all staff members viewpoints on treatment is discussed.