Effectiveness of coerced addiction treatment (alternative consequences) - A review of the clinical research

Of central importance is that our clinical experience and treatment outcome studies to date strongly suggest that coercion is fundamental to addiction treatment and favorable outcomes from therapeutic interventions. Often the alcoholic/drug abuser must be given an opportunity to feel face, or experi ence the "consequences" of their alcohol and drug addiction before the deni al of their illness can be penetrated and motivation for treatment to recov er from addictive illness can be developed. Continued use of alcohol and dr ugs is an unhealthy and dangerous state for those who are addicted and for others who are affected by their addictive illnesses. Effective therapeutic interventions and long-term recovery are more likely to succeed if avoidin g "alternative consequences" are contingent on continued compliance with ad diction treatment by those who suffer from addictive illnesses. (C) 1999 El sevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.