Independent Validation of AARC’s Treatment Outcome
In 2005, an evaluation for the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre was completed and the results were presented, in part, at both the Annual Meetings of the American Society of Addiction Medicine in Dallas, Texas and the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine in Vancouver, B.C.
Michael Patton, PhD, a recognized authority in program evaluation, was recruited to assist AARC staff with the evaluation, and Valerie Slyamaker, PhD, LP from the Butler Centre for Research of the Hazelden Foundation assisted with analysis of data. Other authors included Gerald V. Goresky, MD; F. Dean Vause, PhD, Peter Choate, MSW; and Natalie Imbach, BA.
The evaluation was initiated to assess abstinence from substance abuse and sustainability of recovery of AARC graduates. Lifestyle changes, changes in criminal behavior and in emotional functioning along with participation in continued recovery programs following graduation were assessed. An interview process was used, which incorporated a questionnaire designed specifically for the evaluation.
100 sequential graduates who graduated from 1998 to 2003 were selected for interview in 2003, and 85 agreed to participate. In addition, 30 randomly selected parents, and 11 parents of the 15 clients not interviewed agreed to be interviewed. Using information from these interviews, data regarding the recovery status of 96 clients was obtained.
The evaluation of AARC demonstrated significant, sustainable changes in the graduate population. Of the sample 100 graduates, 85 reported being sober and 48 of the 100 were continuously sober since graduation. For those graduated for over 4 years, 86% had maintained more than 12 months of sobriety. Changes in all lifestyle measures of recovery were demonstrated increased completion of and improved performance in high school and college, improved behaviors and participation at work, positive peer relationships and increased recreational activity, improved self esteem, and consistent involvement in “12 stepâ€