J. Toumbourou et M. Hamilton, RESEARCHING SELF-HELP DRUG-TREATMENT - COLLABORATION AND CONFLICT IN THE AGE OF HARM REDUCTION, Addiction, 89(2), 1994, pp. 151-156
While there is evidence supporting the effectiveness of drug treatment
in self help groups there are many points of divergence between the p
hilosophies traditionally espoused by these groups and those advocated
within harm reduction policies. In this paper we examine some of the
differences between self help and harm reduction approaches. We argue
that (in common with other treatment modalities) self help groups have
altered and developed in response to changing community expectations
and that this process should be expected to continue. We report on our
ongoing exploration of research partnerships with self help group mem
bers focusing particularly upon research conducted in collaboration wi
th self help groups in Victoria. We argue that research partnerships h
ave advantages for both parties. These partnerships have the potential
to better inform researchers of developments in the self help communi
ty (including the practices of active drug users). Research partnershi
ps also encourage better understanding among self help group members o
f some of the potential problems that, as research has indicated, may
be associated with certain self help group practices. We advocate such
understanding as a potentially effective means of encouraging the app
ropriate development and refinement of self help group practices in li
ne with harm reduction principals.