THE STRENGTHS PERSPECTIVE OF CASE-MANAGEMENT - A PROMISING INPATIENT SUBSTANCE-ABUSE TREATMENT ENHANCEMENT

The medical model or disease concept approach to substance abuse treat ment is practiced in most residential substance abuse treatment progra ms. Despite wide acceptance, many of the factors inherent in this appr oach may actually increase patient noncompliance with treatment regime ns. These factors are related to the pathology-based nature of substan ce abuse treatment, an overemphasis on patient denial, and the paterna listic role that treatment staff often take in the treatment of substa nce abusers. The strengths Perspective of Case Management/Advocacy has demonstrated usefulness as an adjunct to treatment that remedies thes e detrimental factors and improves compliance with,and retention in, t reatment. The specific activities that lead to this improvement are di scussed.