Fornits
Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform => Straight, Inc. and Derivatives => Topic started by: Anonymous on August 02, 2008, 04:11:56 PM
-
Outcome evaluation of a 12 step long term recovery program for adolescent addiction
Authors:
Michael Patton, Gerald V. Goresky, F Dean Vause,
Peter Choate, and Natalie Lirenman
Abstract
• This is an outcome evaluation for the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre. Using retrospective self-report, 100 graduates (8 months to 5.5 years post graduation), 30 parents of interviewees and 11 of 15 parents of unavailable graduates were selected for interview. Questions evaluated substance use and recovery, social functioning, and emotional sobriety. Significant improvement in education, employment, family relationships, social relationships, and mental health functioning following graduation were demonstrated. For Attention Deficit Disorder (37.2%) and mental illness(32.9%), the need for prescription medication was eliminated. Since graduation 48% of the sample reported continuous sobriety, with confirmed sobriety in 85% at time of interview.
Key Words
Addiction, adolescent
Substance abuse treatment
Evaluation, self report
This work was carried out at the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre, 303 Forge Road SE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2H 0S9. Michael Patton, PhD is an independent consultant. Gerald V. Goresky, MDCM, FRCPC, is a Professor of Anaesthesia and Paediatrics at the University of Calgary, and is the Chair of the Clinical Committee at the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre. F. Dean Vause, PhD is the Executive Director and Natalie Lirenman, BA is a member of the Clinical Staff at AARC. Peter Choate, MSW consults at AARC, independently assessing client level of dependence and to confirming diagnosis.
1. INTRODUCTION
Evaluation of treatment outcomes of adolescent drug addiction is important for validation of success of the treatment model used and for comparing the success of different treatment interventions. The Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC) has provided a long term treatment program for the last 12 years, and, at the time of initiating this research, had graduated approximately 218 clients. This evaluation was undertaken to assess a broad range of measures of success of this recovery program.
Definitions of addiction applied for the purpose of this evaluation are Substance Dependence Disorder and Substance Abuse Disorder as defined by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Version IV (DSM-IV) (Association, 1994). The outcome measures selected are guided primarily by the Drug Abuse Treatment Outcome Studies (DATOS), which showed the value of evaluating substantial lifestyle changes over time.(Etheridge, Hubbard, Anderson, Craddock, & Flynn, 1997; Fletcher, Tims, & Brown, 1997)
This evaluation was initiated to assess abstinence from substance abuse, lifestyle changes, changes in emotional functioning, and participation in continued recovery programs following graduation from long-term, family-centered treatment at the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre, for graduates from 1998 to 2003.
2. METHODS
This study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Ethical Review Committee at the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre. Subjects and parents either gave informed consent, if over the age of majority, or consent was given by a legal guardian for those who had not achieved the age of majority. Consents were obtained by phone and witnessed by another party confirming the verbal granting of consent. Minors were acknowledged to have the right to refuse to participate, even if their parents offered consent.
A naturalistic retrospective approach was used. The process of participant selection is outlined in Figure 1. From 281 graduates, a sample, consisting of 100 sequential graduates from 1998 to 2003 was selected for interview.
Place Figure 1 here.
2.1 Interview Process and validation of information
An interview schedule was developed specifically for this research. Prior to use, it was tested, modified and retested on graduates who were not part of the research sample. In questioning graduates and parents, subjects were asked to evaluate consequences of use; the impact upon and involvement in support systems, including 12 step programs; the presence of a dual diagnosis; subsequent use patterns and rates; frequency of use; peer influences; forensic and legal complications; and some success factors other than sobriety and family conflict(Bauman & Ennett, 1996; Doyle, Delaney, & Tobin, 1994; Emerick, 1979; Hanstein, 2000; Miller & Sanchez-Craig, 1996; Moggi, Ouimette, Moos, & Finney, 1999; Moos, Finney, & Moos, 2000; Needle, 1988; Simpson, ; Spicer, 1991; Stout, Brown, Longabaugh, & Noel, 1996; Wilens, 1995). Four time frames were considered – pre-treatment; during treatment; following treatment and at the time of the interview.
Following the completion of the client graduate interviews, 30 parents were randomly selected for interview, using a second questionnaire. This was designed to elicit corroborative information about substance use, social functioning, and emotional sobriety. In addition, 11 of 15 parents of those client graduates not interviewed were available for and underwent interview to collect data about the remaining 15 client graduates. Proxy information on the graduate population who were not accessible was collected from parent interviews only, where available.
In order to validate co morbidity, clinical records were provided. These included assessment records and treatment records. All of the graduates had been interviewed at the time of admission, and the presence or absence of co morbidities had been identified. The criteria of DSM IV(Association, 1994) were used to classify the presence of a substance abuse or substance dependence disorder or other mental health diagnosis. All 100 graduates from the sample completed the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory – Adolescent version at the time of admission.
Once consent was obtained, all questionnaires were numbered and stored in a confidential manner by one of the researchers. Collation and collection of information was maintained by number of each questionnaire only, to preserve the confidentiality of the information and the anonymity of subjects.
Interviews were conducted by telephone by two of the researchers, following the interview schedule set out in the questionnaire. The interviewer recorded subject answers, including verbatim recording of comments where the subject was invited to offer observations. All client interviews were conducted over a three month period, from April to July of 2003.
2.2 Statistical Analysis
Data was transferred to the Statistical Program for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and analyzed. Statistical methods are provided where a statistical test was conducted. The sections in which statistical procedures were used and identified for the edification of the presented material are: legal—Cochran’s Q; family—t-tests; peer relationships—Cochran’s Q; recreation—Cochran’s Q; and self-esteem—Cochran’s Q.
In order to assess whether parent and adolescent information was concordant in regard to length of sobriety Kappa was used to assess dichotomous variables. Kappa was computed based on a three-by-three cross tabulation.
3. RESULTS
85 of 100 client graduates were available for and consented to the interview. These 85 client graduates interviewed represented 39% of the total graduate population (218 graduates) at the time that the research was undertaken. When proxy information from parents was combined with client information, the completed interview process provided information regarding sobriety of 96 of the sample of 100 graduates.
Table 1 demonstrates substance use frequency by time since graduation, and Table 2 shows the longest period of continuous sobriety maintained by interviewed clients since graduation. On average, 2 years and 3 months had elapsed from the time of graduation to the time of interview. Mean age was 17.48 (SD = 1.75) years at the time of graduation from the program, and participants averaged 19.93 years of age (SD = 2.10), at the time of interview. Of the 85 graduates interviewed, 54.1% were male.
Place Table 1 and Table 2 here.
For the time interval over which this sample was taken (5.5 years), fifteen clients started, but did not complete the program. Reasons for non completion included voluntary withdrawal (6), termination for parental noncompliance (4), termination for client noncompliance (2), or referral to another institution (3).
3.1 Co morbidity
On admission to treatment, all 85 interviewed clients met the criteria for a Substance Dependence Disorder, according to SASSI, Adolescent version Of those matching this level, 85.8% of the 85 interviewed qualified for two or more drugs. The primary drugs were marijuana (95.2%) and alcohol (78.8%), with several other drugs also identified. For the purposes of this classification, we accept that dependence does occur with marijuana.(Association, 1994; Earleywine, 2002)
For 91.7% of interviewed clients, Substance Abuse Disorder was a co morbid diagnosis, 76.9% for more than one drug. Within this classification, drugs identified were psilocybin mushrooms (67%), LSD (41.1%), cocaine (35.2%) and Ecstasy (24.7%). Our expectation is that we would see changes in drug selection with time. Changes in social trends for drug preferences will vary with time, in accordance with drug availability, and cost.
A second, non substance-related diagnosis was found in 85.9% of the interviewed subjects as defined by DSM IV(Association, 1994). The most common co-existing disorders were Conduct Disorder (28.2%), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (24.7%), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (27%) or a mood disorder (25.8%).
Psychosocial problems included academic difficulties (78.8%), family discord (76.4%), and involvement with the child welfare system (23.5%). Academic difficulties included lack of attendance at school, behavioral difficulties at school, lack of academic success (failing grades), and poor or intermittent attendance. Involvement in criminal behavior prior to admission to AARC was reported by 63.5% of the subjects. It should be noted that this is distinct from involvement in the criminal justice system, but rather represents self reported involvement in behavior that, if caught, would represent the basis for criminal charges. This would be classified as psychosocial and environmental problems which DSM IV(Booth & Kwiatkowski, 1999) usually considers on Axis IV.
Learning disorders were included with a primary diagnosis on Axis 1.
On the Global Assessment of Functioning, at the time of admission, all clients were found to be at or below a level of 55.
3.2 Gender
Patterns of drug use and social behaviors differ between males and females who enter and complete the AARC program. Use of substances multiple times per day “prior to attending AARC was reported by 56.4% of females as compared to 93.5 % of males (p< .001). Prior to attending AARC, 56.4% of females reported no employment compared 23.9% of males (p< .05). Involvement with the Criminal Justice System prior to AARC was less frequent for females (38.5%) compared with males (71.7%) (p< .01). A greater proportion of females (87.2%) than males (63.0%) reported “very negative” self-esteem in the time period prior to attending AARC (p< .05). Only 20.5% of females compared with 52.2% of males were diagnosed with ADD/ADHD prior to attending AARC (p < .05). Almost half (46.2%) of females reported being diagnosed with a mental illness prior to attending AARC compared to 21.7 % of males (p< .05). Since graduation, this difference persisted, as 10.3% of females reported being diagnosed with a mental illness since attending AARC compared with 0% of males (p< .05). For the graduates surveyed, we observed a difference between males and females in regard to frequency of use, involvement with the Criminal Justice System, self esteem, incidence of ADD/ADHD, and frequency of diagnosis of mental illness.
Place Table 3 here.
3.3 Personal & Social Functioning
Participation in school and academic performance improved since the time of AARC graduation. Of those currently enrolled in school, 82% reported their attendance was “much improved.” Similarly, much improved school attitudes (87%), school behavior (84%) and school performance (82%) were reported.
Changes in completion of academic goals increased following graduation. High school completion increased from 5.9% prior to AARC to 23.53% since graduation, (Cochran’s Q = 9.00, p < .01). College/university completion increased from 1.2% prior to attending AARC to 9.41% since AARC graduation, (Cochran’s Q = 7.00, p< .01).
Involvement with, and attendance at work was significantly improved following AARC graduation. Prior to AARC, 10.6% of interviewed graduates worked full-time. This increased to 40.0% during AARC program participation, (Cochran’s Q = 20.16, p< .001). There was a significant change in the percentage of respondents that reported being employed at some time prior to AARC (61.2%) and since graduation (100%), (Cochran’s Q = 33.00, p< .001). At the time of the interview, 57.6% were working full-time, 17.6% part-time, 2.4% intermittently part-time, and 22.4% were unemployed. The majority of working participants rated their work behavior (89%), work performance (86%), and work attendance (82%) as “much improved”.
Family relationships improved. Graduates were asked to describe their relationships with their family on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (“Very positive”) to 5 (“Very Negative”). Relationships with family were rated more positively for the period since AARC graduation (M = 2.02, SD = .83) compared to the period prior to AARC participation (M = 4.54, SD = .61), (t (84) = 23.32, p < .001).
Place Figure 2 here.
Figure 2 displays the percentages of the sample rating their relationships as “very positive, mostly positive, equally positive/negative, mostly negative, and very negative” for the period prior to the AARC and at the time of the interview. At the time of interview, 84.7% reported either “very” or “mostly positive” family relationships at the time of interview, in comparison with 94.1% who reported “very” or “mostly negative” family relationships prior to AARC.
A significant number of graduates reported a reduction in family conflict since graduation from AARC. Participants were asked to rate the degree of conflict within the family on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (“A lot”) to 4 (“none”). The degree of family conflict improved from a mean rating of 1.14 (SD = .41) for the period prior to the AARC to 2.93 (SD = .72) for the period since graduation (t (84) = -20.92, p < .001).
Place Figure 3 here.
This is graphically demonstrated in Figure 3, comparing the period prior to AARC and the time of the interview. At the time of interview 90.6% reported “a little” or “none” conflict, compared with 88.2% that reported a “a lot” of family conflict prior to AARC.
A reduction in involvement with the criminal justice system, as reflected in civil or criminal charges was reported. Prior to attending AARC, 56.5% of respondents reported having been charged with a crime. Since graduation, this figure dropped to 17.6% (Cochran’s Q = 27.92, p < .001), and, at time of interview, 4.7%.
A change in peer relationships was demonstrated as one of the most consistent changes since graduation. Only 3.5% of the sample reported having “mostly” or “very positive” peer relationships in the time prior to AARC. That proportion increased to 92.9% at the time of interview (Cochran’s Q = 64.06, p < .001).
With graduation from AARC, those responding report a significant change in their involvement with recreation activities. The percentage of the sample who reported being “somewhat” or “very” active recreationally increased from the period prior to the AARC (35.3%) to the period since AARC graduation (89.4%) (Cochran’s Q = 39.19, p < .001).
3.4 Self Esteem
The proportion of interviewed graduates rating their self-esteem as “mostly” or “very positive” increased significantly between the period prior to the AARC (1.2%) to the period since AARC graduation (74.1%), Cochran’s Q = 62.00, p < .001.
3.5 Attention Deficit disorder
Symptoms of, and treatment for ADD/ADHD were reported as substantially different following graduation from AARC. Participants were asked to indicate whether they had been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD at different time periods. Among participants, 37.6% reported having been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD prior to AARC, with 27% still meeting the criteria at the time of admission. At the time of interview, 3.5% of clients reported this diagnosis, since completing AARC. Among those diagnosed, 90.6% reported having been prescribed medication for ADD/ADHD prior to AARC attendance. No participants reported being prescribed medication either since AARC graduation or at the time of the interview. Additionally, 73% of those who had been previously diagnosed indicated their symptoms had decreased since graduation.
Youth who entered AARC with an ADD/ADHD diagnosis experienced improvements with family relationships. Specifically, this group rated their family relationships significantly more positively (M = 2.03, SD = .82) for the time period since AARC participation compared to the time period prior (M = 4.59, SD = .50), t (28) = 15.80, p< .001. Ratings of peer relationships also improved for the time period prior to AARC (M = 4.03, SD = .78) to the period since completing the AARC program. (M = 1.93, SD = .75), t (28) = 10.82, p < .001.
For those diagnosed with ADD/ADHD prior to AARC admission, employment increased from 65.52% prior to AARC entry to 100% since AARC graduation (Cochran’s Q = 10.00, p < .01). Prior to attending the AARC, 65.52% of this group reported having been charged with a crime. Since graduation, this figure dropped to 24.14% (Cochran’s Q = 10.29, p < .01). Although the proportion that completed high school increased following completion of the AARC program (6.90% vs 27.59%), the difference was not statistically significant (Cochran’s Q = 3.60, p = .058).
3.6 Mental health.
Participants were asked to indicate whether they had been diagnosed with a mental illness. Among respondents, 32.9% reported having been diagnosed with a mental illness prior to AARC, 4.7% since AARC, and 3.5% at the time of the interview. Of those graduates reporting a mental health diagnosis at the time of treatment entry, 88.5% had been prescribed medication prior to entering the AARC, 3.8% since the AARC, and 0% were prescribed medication at the time of the interview. Of those diagnosed with mental illness, 92.6% indicated their symptoms had decreased since completing treatment at AARC.
Family relationships improved amongst youth who entered AARC with a diagnosis of mental illness. Specifically, this group rated their family relationships significantly more positively (M = 2.21, SD = .93) for the time period since AARC participation compared to the time period prior ((M = 4.79, SD = .42), t (23) = 13.63, p < .001). Ratings of peer relationships also improved for the time period prior to AARC (M = 4.29, SD = .62) to the period since AARC participation (M = 2.00, SD = .89), t (23) = 9.68, p< .001.
3.7 Twelve Step Program Involvement
At AARC, the program is based on Twelve Step participation, and this is reflected in active involvement during, and participation after, graduation from AARC. None of the participants indicated they were “very involved” in Twelve Step programs prior to entering AARC. That proportion increased to 96.5% who rated being “very involved” in a Twelve Step program during the AARC program, Cochran’s Q = 82.00, p < .001. For the time period since AARC, the percentage of graduates who reported being “very involved” in a Twelve Step Program dropped to 52.9% (Cochran’s Q = 33.39, p < .001).
Regardless of the decrease in participation with time after graduation, the majority of graduates acknowledged the usefulness of a Twelve Step program. During AARC treatment, 90.0% of this group rated Twelve Step programs as being “very useful,” (Cochran’s Q = 62.00, p < .001). Among the entire sample, including those with no Twelve Step experience prior to AARC treatment entry, 91.8% rated a Twelve Step program as “very useful” during their treatment at AARC.
3.8 Feedback on the AARC Recovery Process
Graduates were asked to rate the impact of AARC treatment on their lives. The impact was rated as being “very” or “mostly positive” by 95.3%. The majority of graduates (70.6%) stated they were very satisfied with the services they received while attending AARC.
3.9 Interviews of parents
Of the 30 interviewed parents, 90% confirmed the reported sobriety of their child. Amongst the parents of non-respondent clients, 18.2% (2 of 11) reported their son/daughter had been sober at the time of interviews.
The impact participation in AARC had on their son’s/daughter’s alcohol and drug use was rated as “mostly” or “very positive by 96.6% of respondent parents and 81.8% of non-respondent parents.
Similar to the report compiled from the AARC client graduate responses, parental reports confirmed decreases in substance use and improvements in education, employment, family relationships, social relationships, and mental health functioning from the time prior to attending AARC to the time following graduation.
Of interest are the responses of parents to the following two questions. The first question was, “In your own words, please describe how your son’s/daughter’s involvement at AARC has impacted their life.” The second question was, “On a personal note, what has your son’s/daughter’s involvement at AARC meant for you?”
4. DISCUSSION:
4.1 The AARC Treatment Model
The Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC) is a 12-step recovery orientated long-term drug and alcohol treatment program for adolescents between the ages of 12-21. The program model has been previously described(Vause, 1994).
In the program description, Vause describes the majority of AARC’s clients as “compulsive, poly-drug users who have serious family and psychological problems…with turbulent or chaotic behavior, compounded with immaturity and a general lack of no chemical coping skills” Vause further explains that lack of maturity and emotional development are a result of the developmental arrest caused by prolonged drug use. It is for this reason that the average length of treatment for AARC’s clients and families is 10 months to a year.(Vause, 1994)
Vause describes that AARC functions upon the disease model of addiction, as follows. Chemical dependence is a “chronic, progressive, primary, psychosocial, biochemical, genetic, and relapsing condition which affects every domain of the adolescent’s life and family”. Although AARC’s philosophy is derived from the disease concept, it incorporates the bio/psycho-social/spiritual approach to the treatment of adolescent addiction. Because the primary symptom of chemical dependence is continued drug and alcohol use despite bio-psycho-socio-spiritual deterioration, it is essential that AARC clients achieve abstinence during and post treatment in order to fully recover from the devastating consequences of addiction. Abstinence and recovery from addiction are sought through the adoption of the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 steps of recovery.(Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, 1976) These steps are incorporated into the program, as follows.
AARC is comprised of 4 treatment levels, each level consisting of 2 or more of the 12 steps of recovery. Each level incorporates a set of rules and a level completion criterion. AARC clients graduate the program once they have grasped the concepts of the 12 steps of recovery and completed the outlined criteria of each treatment level.
Each AARC client graduates the program once he or she has grasped the concepts of the 12 steps of recovery through completion of the outlined criteria of each treatment level.
The AARC treatment program does not focus solely on the client. The family is required to participate in treatment and embrace recovery, as well. Management of the client includes comprehensive assessment, treatment, and aftercare. Family treatment includes frequent participation in group counseling sessions, peer counseling, and participation in activities which facilitate recovery for the family – through a confrontational and caring therapeutic process.
4.2 The need for evaluation
Substance abuse and addiction have become of increasing concern within the adolescent population, with perhaps up to 10% of those who use drugs becoming addicted. Similar concerns appear to exist in other countries, such as the United States(Harrison & Asche, 2001). Clearly, substance abuse and addiction is a major problem in our communities. Intervention for adolescent addiction is conducted in many ways, and there are many possibilities for treatment – crossing the spectrum from short term non professional intervention to spiritual intervention, to long term intensive family-centered care(Latimer, Winters, Stinchfield, & Traver). The lack of homogeneity in regard to adolescent treatment makes program-to-program comparisons difficult, if not, impossible.
4.3 Study design and selection of sample
The nature of this evaluation did not permit constructing a randomized controlled trial with a group of untreated individuals – addiction, by its nature, induces isolation and resentment, and an untreated control group would not be reachable. It is also difficult to make a comparison with another long term residential program for adolescents, as no program using comparable client selection, treatment intervention and treatment duration is currently known. This is the first evaluation of treatment at AARC, and we chose as large a sample size as we could effect, acknowledging the constraints of obtaining access to all graduates.
A self report structured interview was used, and self report can yield valid, useful estimates of drug usage(Brener, 2003; Smith, 1995).
4.4 Gender
We observed a difference between males and females in regard to client profile. Females demonstrated less frequent daily usage of substances, less employment, less involvement with the Criminal Justice System, and lower self esteem. In regard to psychiatric diagnosis, females had a lower frequency of ADD/ADHD diagnosis and a higher frequency of diagnosis of mental illness prior to entering the AARC program. We are unable, in this study, to confirm whether these differences are specific to this population, or whether they are simply a reflection of a broad societal trend amongst adolescents.
4.5 Limitations
This evaluation design will not permit either generalization of the results beyond AARC’s own implementation or disaggregation of multiple dimensions of the intervention to test alternative attribution hypotheses.
AARC clients are admitted frequently on referral from the court, on recommendation from Child Welfare Services, or at direction of their parents -- an involuntary basis which eliminates follow up research bias associated with self selection, yet the nature of admission and the disease process mitigated against initiating a comparative study with a control (non treated) group.
This is a treatment-completion outcomes study that includes only those AARC graduates who successfully finished the program. As such, outcomes reported here likely reflect the upper limits of outcome and would change if the sample included those who left the program under different circumstances. We have not correlated measurements of recovery with time since graduation, but it is acknowledged that the longer a client is graduated from a program, the more non treatment factors are likely influencing the client’s current status. If it was projected the 15 clients not available for interview were not abstinent, then the result for the entire population of 100 would result in an abstinent rate of 85% at the time of interview. As with all naturalistic studies, the lack of no-treatment or other control conditions precludes causal statements about the role treatment specifically played in the improved functioning of the sample following graduation.
There is debate about significance of the duration of time out of treatment required for meaningful evaluation in relation to defining successful treatment, be it abstinence from drug use or “harm reduction”.(McLellan et al., 1994; Rivers, Greenbaum, & Goldberg, 2001) In comparing treatment modalities, a measure of consistency would be provided by assessing the treatment outcomes at a consistent interval following treatment; we currently are unable to do this. For the purpose of this evaluation, we were seeking to assess the pattern of recovery post treatment in this program.
Abstinence rates are impacted by the length of time after discharge (with relapse rates increasing as a function of time out of treatment). For the purpose of this study, use frequencies since graduation were broken down by time since graduation.
Descriptions of involvement with the criminal justice system may not fully reflect changes in behavior, as this evaluation documented criminal or civil charges only, as opposed to involvement in crime for which the client may not have been caught.
Questions of validity and reliability of data are always raised when self-report is the primary source of information, regardless of the steps taken to minimize socially desirable response sets. Also, because this was a retrospective study, memory distortion may have impacted self-report. Finally, participants were asked about their functioning as it occurred “prior” to and “since” graduation. As such, time periods were not held constant and made direct comparisons between the time periods difficult. For example, for a given participant the time period prior to AARC may refer to a period of 15 years whereas the time since AARC may refer to a period of 2 years. Differences in length of time since graduation between participants also occurred. For example, one graduate may have been out for 1 year; another may have been out for 3 years. We acknowledge that the longer a client is out of the treatment program the more non-treatment factors are likely influencing the client’s current status As a result, “before and after” comparisons must be interpreted with caution, even though they are an essential measure of program performance. We have attempted to use the parent questionnaires for validation of client information, particularly in relation to sobriety, reducing the uncertainty of using self report as a sole source of information.
It will be important in the future, to assess sobriety of all graduates at a consistent time interval following completion of treatment. A suitable mechanism could be implemented to obtain consent for and collect information regarding recovery and family functioning at fixed intervals following graduation.
5. Conclusions
The long term, intensive AARC program provides significant, sustainable changes for a large number of adolescents admitted to treatment with severe substance dependency disorders. These changes include sustaining both sobriety and the many lifestyle changes that support sobriety. For male and female clients, physical, emotional, and behavioral characteristics all demonstrated improvements. Decreases in substance use with improvements in education, employment, family relationships, social relationships, and mental health functioning have been demonstrated. For clients with either ADD/ADHD or other mental health disorders prior to AARC, the need for continuation of medication was eliminated. For all recovery criteria evaluated, this outcome evaluation demonstrates significant improvement in the vast majority of clients, when compared with pre treatment. For adolescents with a Substance Dependence Disorder and Global Assessment of Functioning at a level 55 or lower, the AARC treatment model demonstrates a high measure of success.
Acknowledgments
This outcome study was conducted by Michael Patton, and the analysis of data was conducted by Reid Zimmerman and Valerie Slaymaker, PhD, LP from the Butler Center for Research of the Hazelden Foundation. We are grateful for the assistance of Joanne Miller for review of the data collection and statistical analysis, and suggestions regarding improvement of the manuscript. The evaluation was funded by a donation from an anonymous donor specifically for the purpose of conducting an outcome study of the AARC Recovery Program.
Table 1 Percentage of interviewed graduates reporting substance use frequency by time since graduation
Post graduation None One time Monthly Weekly Daily Multiple/day
1 year or less (n=10) 90 0 0 0 0 10
13-24 months (n=30) 60 3.3 6.7 3.3 16.7 10
25-36 months (n=21) 52.4 4.8 9.5 4.8 23.8 4.8
>36 months (n=24) 41.7 4.2 4.2 12.5 25 12.5
Table 2 Longest period of continuous sobriety of interviewed graduates, maintained by time since graduation
Time since graduation One month Six months Twelve months or more
One year or less (n=29) 0% 6.9% 93.1%
Two to three years (n=42) 2.49% 4.8% 92.9%
Four or more years (n=14) 0% 14.3% 85.7%
Table 3 Positive changes identified in personal and social functioning of graduates.
All graduates who were interviewed identified:
• Increased high school completion (p < .01)
• Increased College or University completion (p < .01)
• Increased working full time (p < .001)
• Improved employment and work behaviors (p < .001)
• Positive family relationships (p < .001)
• Lesser degree of family conflict (p < .001)
• Fewer charged with a crime (p < .001)
• “Mostly” or “very positive” peer relationships (p < .001)
• “Somewhat” or “very” active recreationally (p < .001)
• Self-esteem rated “mostly” or “very positive” (p < .001)
• Graduates “very involved”, 12 Step program (p < .001)
Graduates with previous diagnosis of ADD/ADHD identified:
• No medication
• Family relationships more positive (p < .001)
• Peer relationships also improved (p < .001)
• Employment increased (p < .01)
• Fewer charged with a crime (p < .01)
Graduates with a previous Mental Health diagnosis identified:
• No medication
• Family relationships more positive (p < .001)
• Peer relationship ratings improved (p < .001)
Figure Captions
Figure 1. Participant selection and interview process. Page 19
Figure 2. Self-reported quality of family relationships – rated prior to AARC admission and at time of interview of clients. Page 20
Figure 3 Self-reported amount of family conflict – rated prior to AARC admission and at time of interview. Page 21
References
Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, I. (1976). Alchoholics Anonymous (Third ed.). New York City: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services,Inc.
Association, A. P. (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical manual of Mental Disorders, (Fourth Edition ed.). Washington, D.C: American Psychiatric Association.
Bauman, K. E., & Ennett, S. T. (1996). On the importance of peer influence for adolescent drug use: commonly neglected considerations. Addiction, 91(2), 185-198.
Booth, R. E., & Kwiatkowski, C. F. (1999). Substance abuse treatment for high-risk adolescents. Curr Psychiatry Rep, 1(2), 185-190.
Brener, N. D., Billy, J.O. and Grady, W.R. (2003). Assessment of factors affecting validity of self-reported health risk behavior among adolescents: evidence from the scientific literature. Journal of Adolescent Health, 33(6), 436-457.
Doyle, H., Delaney, W., & Tobin, J. (1994). Follow-up study of young attenders at an alcohol unit. Addiction, 89(2), 183-189.
Earleywine, M. (2002). Understanding Marijuana: A Now Look at the Scientific Evidence. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Emerick, C. D. (1979). Perspectives in clinical research: Relative effectiveness of alcohol abuse treatment. Family and community health, 2(2), 71-88.
Etheridge, R. M., Hubbard, R. L., Anderson, J., Craddock, S., & Flynn, P. M. (1997). Treatment structure and program services in the Drug Abuse Treatment Outcome Study (DATOS). Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 11(4), 244-260.
Fletcher, B. W., Tims, F. M., & Brown, B. S. (1997). Drug Abuse Treatment Outcome Study (DATOS): Treatment Evaluation Research in the United States. [Article]. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors December 1997;11(4):216-229.
Hanstein, M. L., Downey,L., Rosengren,D.B. and Donovan,D.M. (2000). Relationships between follow-up rates and treatment outcomes in substance abuse research: more is better but when is "enough" enough? Addiction, 95, 1403-1416.
Harrison, P. A., & Asche, S. E. (2001). Adolescent treatment for substance use disorders: Outcomes and outcome predictors. Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse, 11(2), 1-18.
Latimer, W. W., Winters, K. C., Stinchfield, R., & Traver, R. E. Demographic, Individual, and Interpersonal Predictors of Adolescent Alcohol and Marijuana Use Following Treatment. [Article]. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors June 2000;14(2):162-173.
McLellan, A. T., Alterman, A. I., Metzger, D. S., Grissom, G. R., Woody, G. E., Luborsky, L., et al. (1994). Similarity of outcome predictors across opiate, cocaine, and alcohol treatments: role of treatment services. Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology. 1994 Dec;62(6):1141-58.
Miller, W. R., & Sanchez-Craig, M. (1996). How to have a high success rate in treatment: advice for evaluators of alcoholism programs.[see comment]. Addiction. 1996 Jun;91(6):779-85.
Moggi, F., Ouimette, P. C., Moos, R. H., & Finney, J. W. (1999). Dual diagnosis patients in substance abuse treatment: relationship of general coping and substance-specific coping to 1-year outcomes. Addiction. 1999 Dec;94(12):1805-16.
Moos, R. H., Finney, J. W., & Moos, B. S. (2000). Inpatient substance abuse care and the outcome of subsequent community residential and outpatient care. Addiction. 2000 Jun;95(6):833-46.
Needle, R., Su, S., Doherty,W., Lavee,Y. and Brown,P. (1988). Familial, interpersonal and intrapersonal correlates of drug use: a longitudeinal comparison of adolescents in treatment, drug-using adolescents not in treatment and non-drug using adolescents. International Journal of Addictions, 23, 1211-1240.
Rivers, S. M., Greenbaum, R. L., & Goldberg, E. (2001). Hospital-based adolescent substance abuse treatment: comorbidity, outcomes, and gender. Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease. 2001 Apr;189(4):229-37.
Simpson, D. D. (1993). Drug Treatment Evaluation Research in the United States. [Article]. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 7(2), 120-128.
Smith, G. T., McCarthy,D.M. and Goldman,M.S. (1995). Self-reported drinking and alcohol problems among early adolescents: dimensionality and validity over 24 months. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 56(4), 383-394.
Spicer, J. (1991). Does you program measure up? An addiction professional's guide for evaluating treatment effectiveness. Center City, Minnesota, U.S.A.
Stout, R. L., Brown, P. J., Longabaugh, R., & Noel, N. (1996). Determinants of research follow-up participation in an alcohol treatment outcome trial. Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology. 1996 Jun;64(3):614-8.
Vause, F. D. (1994). Project demonstrating excellence: The Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre: A treatment centre for chemically dependent youth and their families. Unpublished PhD, The Union Institute, Cincinnati,Ohio.
Wilens, T. E., Spencer,T.J. and Biederman,J. (1995). Are attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders and the psychoactive substance use disorders really related? Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 3(3), 160-162.
-
Outcome evaluation of a 12 step long term recovery program for adolescent addiction
Authors:
Michael Patton, Gerald V. Goresky, F Dean Vause,
Peter Choate, and Natalie Lirenman
So, Vause authored a study on Vause's program. Sounds very Newton-esque. Using himself as a citable 'source'.
-
This outcome study was conducted by Michael Patton, and the analysis of data was conducted by Reid Zimmerman and Valerie Slaymaker, PhD, LP from the Butler Center for Research of the Hazelden Foundation. We are grateful for the assistance of Joanne Miller for review of the data collection and statistical analysis, and suggestions regarding improvement of the manuscript. The evaluation was funded by a donation from an anonymous donor specifically for the purpose of conducting an outcome study of the AARC Recovery Program.
-
This outcome study was conducted by Michael Patton, and the analysis of data was conducted by Reid Zimmerman and Valerie Slaymaker, PhD, LP from the Butler Center for Research of the Hazelden Foundation. We are grateful for the assistance of Joanne Miller for review of the data collection and statistical analysis, and suggestions regarding improvement of the manuscript. The evaluation was funded by a donation from an anonymous donor specifically for the purpose of conducting an outcome study of the AARC Recovery Program.
Hazelden. That explains a lot. But even aside from that, how can you take seriously a study of Vause's program that was conducted by Vause? His program is good because he and his buddies say it is?
-
The person funding the study made sure there were outside independent consultants used and brought in people from Hazelden in Minnesota to overlook the data collection. Vause should be involved in the study because he heads it up, it would be odd if he wasnt involved.
They had outside people conducting the study.
-
This outcome study was conducted by Michael Patton not Vause. Seems they let Vause get involved in the final write up so he could get his name listed.
-
My god but you're a naive one, aren't you?
-
Thanks, information, good find. Would have taken me days to find it.
...
-
Since graduation 48% of the sample reported continuous sobriety.
with confirmed sobriety in 85% at time of interview (what, that day????)
And we kow they told the truth? And we know who did the survey interview - AARC staff. No reasojn to lie to them if they were not sober. And the parent who were interviewed, they know exactly what their kids are up to since graduation?
-
Since graduation 48% of the sample reported continuous sobriety.
with confirmed sobriety in 85% at time of interview (what, that day????)
And we kow they told the truth? And we know who did the survey interview - AARC staff. No reasojn to lie to them if they were not sober. And the parent who were interviewed, they know exactly what their kids are up to since graduation?
Bottom line it is a solid report. there is no way you can poke holes in it because the study was done by independent people who have a great reputation in their respective fields.
But in any event it doesnt matter what you or I think. The parents will read it and make up their own minds. Its good to see these reports starting to come out, long time coming.
-
Bottom line it is a solid report. there is no way you can poke holes in it because the study was done by independent people who have a great reputation in their respective fields.
But in any event it doesnt matter what you or I think. The parents will read it and make up their own minds. Its good to see these reports starting to come out, long time coming.
WE don't have to "poke holes" in it. Vause himself does quite a nice job of that. The report was requested by AARC/Vause, funded by a supporter and DONE by a team THAT INCLUDED VAUSE.
Bottom line is that if you believe that report is independent, you're a gullible little follower. Not unlike a Moonie or Jonestown victim. I feel sorry for you.
-
We are grateful for the assistance of Joanne Miller for review of the data collection and statistical analysis, and suggestions regarding improvement of the manuscript
Love this one - she is the sister of Vause' ex-girlfriend, and a very good pal of his. Objectivity?
-
Since graduation 48% of the sample reported continuous sobriety.
with confirmed sobriety in 85% at time of interview (what, that day????)
And we kow they told the truth? And we know who did the survey interview - AARC staff. No reasojn to lie to them if they were not sober. And the parent who were interviewed, they know exactly what their kids are up to since graduation?
Bottom line it is a solid report. there is no way you can poke holes in it because the study was done by independent people who have a great reputation in their respective fields.
But in any event it doesnt matter what you or I think. The parents will read it and make up their own minds. Its good to see these reports starting to come out, long time coming.
i hope they do read this - and figure it out. Why has this report never been made public by AARC? Because they could use the "85% success rate" statistic and never have to show that it didn't mean continuous sobriety, just some improvement.
-
i hope they do read this - and figure it out. Why has this report never been made public by AARC? Because they could use the "85% success rate" statistic and never have to show that it didn't mean continuous sobriety, just some improvement.
I think that is where we can all agree, it will be good for each parent to read this (maybe a sticky at the top of this page where new readers can have access) we can ask psy. Each person has their own definition of success and sobriety. Some will interpret the study as a failure and others as a success just like we are witnessing here.
The report is public!! We are all reading it!! If they didn’t want it to be public it would still be private info. I think this says a lot about the transparency that seems to exist in this area especially with this study.
We need to consider each persons individual needs. Many would consider 5 years of sobriety (with 1 or 2 relapses a great success and would embrace the program others may want total sobriety the entire time and would decide to pass and this is the strength of getting these results out to the public.
...
-
The 2005 study has been used to solicit money both in the Alberta Legislature, and from charity sources. The authors include the Wiz, AARC's Executive Director; Goresky, AARC board member and father of AARC client and staffer Mr. Garrison Goresky; Natalie Oldcomer, AARC staffer, former client, wife of former client and staffer, and sibling of mutiple former AARC prisoners; Peter Choda, freelance AARColyte and provider of AARC diagnosis confirmation; Mr. DoctorPatton, Union Institute faculty member, and Val Haymaker, Hazelden something or other.
Every single one of these people is in a conflict of interest. Vause had a financial relationship with Union, sending money from AARC out of the country to Union in the form of scholarships for AARColytes to Union. This compromises Patton. Patton also has a relationship to Hazelden.
-
Bottom line it is a solid report. there is no way you can poke holes in it because the study was done by independent people who have a great reputation in their respective fields.
But in any event it doesnt matter what you or I think. The parents will read it and make up their own minds. Its good to see these reports starting to come out, long time coming.
Only 85 of 100 clients participated, yet AARC included the 15 others as part of the study.
95% of the clients were being treated for marijuana addiction and 85% for alcohol, in spite of folks like Heather Forsythe telling us that AARC is treating kids who shoot cocaine in between their toes.
"For the purposes of this classification, we accept that dependence does occur with marijuana.(Association, 1994; Earleywine, 2002)"
I guess so, or you don't have a client base.
The Wiz's bullshit about prolonged drug use retarding the development of the kids is particularly ridiculous in light of the fact that he takes in twelve-year-olds.
Just couldn't stay away, huh Joshy?
-
The 2005 study has been used to solicit money both in the Alberta Legislature, and from charity sources.
Successful outcome studies are typically used to leverage sources to help grow the industry. This includes soliciting donations to lobbying for legislature changes or referendums.
The authors include the Wiz, AARC's Executive Director; Goresky, AARC board member and father of AARC client and staffer Mr. Garrison Goresky; Natalie Oldcomer, AARC staffer, former client, wife of former client and staffer, and sibling of mutiple former AARC prisoners; Peter Choda, freelance AARColyte and provider of AARC diagnosis confirmation; Mr. DoctorPatton, Union Institute faculty member, and Val Haymaker, Hazelden something or other.
Correct although I believe Natalies last name was listed as “Lirenman” in the study. Look under “Authors” at the very top.
Every single one of these people is in a conflict of interest. Vause had a financial relationship with Union, sending money from AARC out of the country to Union in the form of scholarships for AARColytes to Union. This compromises Patton. Patton also has a relationship to Hazelden.
I don’t see any of these things as compromises to the study. The study has been reviewed by the Alberta Legislature as well as several charity sources none of which would part with any money if there was any hint of compromise in the study. As far as Patton having a tie to Hazelden I feel this strengthens the validity of the outcome results. Hazelden is very highly regarded in the area of Alcohol and Drug Dependency Research and Clinical Practices
-
Seems the more we peel away the layers the better this place looks. I had no idea the study was presented to the Alberta legislature and that it got seal of approval from the Butler research facility at Hazelden where 2 of their members presided over the collection and presentation of the data.
Vauses degree was brought up and questioned and it has subsequentially been determined the university he received it from is accredited.
I never really knew much about AARC until this dicussion, anyone have a link to their web site? I assume it is in Canada
-
Seems the more we peel away the layers the better this place looks more we see how corrupt and incestuous this all is.
Vauses degree was brought up and questioned and it has subsequentially been determined the university he received it from is accredited.
Really? Where did that happen?
I never really knew much about AARC until this dicussion, anyone have a link to their web site? I assume it is in Canada
(http://http://www.smileyhut.com/laughing/rofl.gif)
-
Union Institute & University is an accredited, private, international university that has, since 1964, redefined higher education by placing learners at the center of their own education. Union has administrative headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, and currently enrolls approximately 1,750 learners from all 50 states and more than 20 countries worldwide.
I apologize for Repairmans rudeness. I never heard of AARC myself until reading about it here on fornits. Here is a link that may help.
http://www.aarc.ab.ca/ (http://http://www.aarc.ab.ca/)
...
-
"I had no idea the study was presented to the Alberta Legislature...I assume it's in Canada.."
Nope. The study was presented to the Alberta Legislature, but AARC is in Vanuatu.
-
The 2005 study has been used to solicit money both in the Alberta Legislature, and from charity sources. The authors include the Wiz, AARC's Executive Director; Goresky, AARC board member and father of AARC client and staffer Mr. Garrison Goresky; Natalie Oldcomer, AARC staffer, former client, wife of former client and staffer, and sibling of mutiple former AARC prisoners; Peter Choda, freelance AARColyte and provider of AARC diagnosis confirmation; Mr. DoctorPatton, Union Institute faculty member, and Val Haymaker, Hazelden something or other.
Every single one of these people is in a conflict of interest. Vause had a financial relationship with Union, sending money from AARC out of the country to Union in the form of scholarships for AARColytes to Union. This compromises Patton. Patton also has a relationship to Hazelden.
REALLY Vincent - I would love to show this to Patton. He would get such a LAUGH out of your complete BS . . . but you keep dreaming. Obviously it is quite difficult living your life; ya need to make things up about others as you stumble around. you are ::fullofshit::
-
Which part is made up?
-
The 2005 study has been used to solicit money both in the Alberta Legislature, and from charity sources. The authors include the Wiz, AARC's Executive Director; Goresky, AARC board member and father of AARC client and staffer Mr. Garrison Goresky; Natalie Oldcomer, AARC staffer, former client, wife of former client and staffer, and sibling of mutiple former AARC prisoners; Peter Choda, freelance AARColyte and provider of AARC diagnosis confirmation; Mr. DoctorPatton, Union Institute faculty member, and Val Haymaker, Hazelden something or other.
Every single one of these people is in a conflict of interest. Vause had a financial relationship with Union, sending money from AARC out of the country to Union in the form of scholarships for AARColytes to Union. This compromises Patton. Patton also has a relationship to Hazelden.
Independent, objective study my ass!!!!
-
95% of the clients were being treated for marijuana addiction
Marijuana is not addictive. In fact, many reputable sources, including Stanton Peele, believe marijuana to be "ANTI-addictive".
So AARC can save kids from being addicted to a non-addictive substance? Wow, what an accomplishment........
Marijuana is also legally tolerated in Canada, much like it is in the Pacific Coast states in the US, so the whole "decreasing criminal activity" argument won't work either.
More bullshit from AARC, designed to bilk parents and taxpayers out of more money so some psychopaths can continue their hobby of abusing children in the name of "therapy".
-
"Vause, F. D. (1994). Project demonstrating excellence: The Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre: A treatment centre for chemically dependent youth and their families. Unpublished PhD, The Union Institute, Cincinnati,Ohio."
This is the man that was being sold as an expert on addiction. Why someone would consult an unpublished PhD from an obscure alternative school like the Union Institute is beyond me. Unless of course, you're writing a study yourself about your own institution that you described in your PhD after you opened said institution.
-
"Vause, F. D. (1994). Project demonstrating excellence: The Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre: A treatment centre for chemically dependent youth and their families. Unpublished PhD, The Union Institute, Cincinnati,Ohio."
This is the man that was being sold as an expert on addiction. Why someone would consult an unpublished PhD from an obscure alternative school like the Union Institute is beyond me. Unless of course, you're writing a study yourself about your own institution that you described in your PhD after you opened said institution.
Why would you judge someone harshly for not publishing their dissertation?
-
Stupid fuckhead, the issue is not whether someone chose to publish their dissertation. The issue is that the cult leader in question is billed as an expert, yet has no published works in the field, not even his PhD. Secondly, in fabricating this ridiculous study, rather than consulting peer-reviewed works published in journals, these assholes chose to consult the Wiz's unpublished PhD, in a manner similar to Miller Newton referring to his own bullshit works.
So, you are either one stunned piece of shit, who could not understand the argument being made, or you are a deceitful fucking worm attempting to derail the communication process by purposely misstating the issue.
Either way, go fuck yourself.
-
Wow, you are very sensitive. No one has ever spoken to me that way before, I apologize, but you should be aware that there are many people in history who became experts through exposure and self study. A degree isn’t the only measurement of expertise on a subject. Many become experts thru emersion. This man may have spent many years doing what he is doing and gained his expertise that way. Some people attain a phd and decide to publish it without having any (or very little) working experience. Take a look at this mans history he may have gained his experience prior to getting his Phd. You may be surprised, a lot of people gain a degree later in life.
-
I've responded to you like that a number of times, you lying puddle of piss. Why are you saying to take a look at this man's history, when you and everyone reading here knows what his history is. Why? Because you're a degenerate piece of garbage, and I strongly suspect a child-molester. Again, go fuck yourself.
-
Wow, you are very sensitive. No one has ever spoken to me that way before, I apologize, but you should be aware that there are many people in history who became experts through exposure and self study. A degree isn’t the only measurement of expertise on a subject. Many become experts thru emersion. This man may have spent many years doing what he is doing and gained his expertise that way. Some people attain a phd and decide to publish it without having any (or very little) working experience. Take a look at this mans history he may have gained his experience prior to getting his Phd. You may be surprised, a lot of people gain a degree later in life.
Welcome to fornits guest. People are really angry here,its best not to bring up any information unless it is shows programs in a bad light.
-
This outcome study was conducted by Michael Patton not Vause. Seems they let Vause get involved in the final write up so he could get his name listed.
So Patton himself was lying when he told 5th Estate he did NOT conduct the study??
From: http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/2008-2009/power ... study.html (http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/2008-2009/powerless/aarc_study.html)
The fifth estate also asked the man who AARC says completed the study—Dr. Patton. He told the fifth estate his involvement was largely limited to supervising a graduate student who crunched the data—data gathered by people associated with AARC.
“I did not conduct the study. They conducted the study. I oversaw the analysis,” he said.
Patton said that while the study was a good preliminary “internal evaluation” with positive results, the next step would be to review AARC’s success rate independently. He noted that the study was rejected for publication by two journals.
:trophy:
-
you should be aware that there are many people in history who became experts through exposure and self study. A degree isn’t the only measurement of expertise on a subject. Many become experts thru emersion. This man may have spent many years doing what he is doing and gained his expertise that way.
Except what Vause is doing with his AARC is hardly new!
Miller Newton did it with KIDS, where Vause admittedly worked. Other than the lack of motivating I challenge anyone to demonstrate any other differences between the two programs AARC and KIDS or even STRAIGHT for that matter. People keep saying there's differences but won't say what those differences are. If the KIDS "model of treatment" is abusive the AARC "model of treatment" is just as abusive.
Vause claims he started his OWN program, but he was was supposed to start running KIDS of the Canadian West here in Calgary until KIDS/Newton came under such harsh scrutiny. Was in Vause's best interest to cut Newton out of the picture, and run his "own" program anyway.
All these programs using a "STRAIGHT-like" treatment model are the same.
It's bad news, it destroys people, don't use it.
Pretty simple.
-
The putrid sack of puss knows all about this subject. He is still subscribed to this thread via his profile, under which he no longer posts. The usual method used is to make reference to some entirely unrelated, irrelevant subject, usually having to do with his own experience since he loves to talk about himself, suffering from the egocentrism so common to such child molesters. As soon as there is a post, he derails the discussion by creating a straw man. In this case, rather than addressing the fact that the Wiz operates a facility where procedures, that are covered by laws that govern health care in our province, are performed by completely unqualified individuals, the Wiz included, thepervert in question ignores the fact that the program at AARC was created by charlatans, even though it is well established. He ignores the fact that provision of health care is not a field in which amateurs acquire practical skill through work experience, particularly in this case, where the entire treatment model is rooted in pseudoscience, and serves as a cover for the operation of a socio-religious organization for parents who are unable to cope with their children, rather than as a health care program for adolescents as claimed. He ignores the fact that psychology and psychiatry are well-established fields in Western society with a basis in scientific study going back to the nineteenth century. But most importantly, he ignores the fact that he is posting in a forum dedicated to the particular phenomenon of Straight Inc. and the programs that grew from Straight. Ignoring the history of Straight's illegitimacy and completely pervasive illegality, and that of it's subsequent developments like Kids, is absolutely dishonest, and speaks volumes as to the completely degenerate nature of the poster.
Again, save a child, go fuck yourself.
-
He may use a strawman and you use ad hominems but the man still manages to sustain an 85% success rate with his graduates.
-
Yeah, right. Ignorance is bliss. It was not an accurate external evaluation, whether you want to accept that or not. More like an internal guess, slanted towards the results AARC was hoping for.
You all know that too - even "the man."
-
Yeah, right. Ignorance is bliss. It was not an accurate external evaluation, whether you want to accept that or not. More like an internal guess, slanted towards the results AARC was hoping for.
You all know that too - even "the man."
Yeah, I think we all know it was biased. It was an internal study, but it is still pretty impressive. I would like to see it stacked against a totally independent study to see how far off it was. My guess would be closer to 60%. What is AA like 5% which is basically a wash. I dont think we should hold our breath,though, for an independent study anytime soon.
-
Considering most of the kids weren't addicts anyway AARC has done a great job creating them.
:peace:
-
Yeah, I think we all know it was biased. It was an internal study, but it is still pretty impressive.
My response: :roflmao:
I give myself a 10/10 on my response. I'm very impressed with myself. Does that mean anything to you?
-
What is AA like 5% which is basically a wash.
A.A. has a 5% success rate?! lol I didn't know that, but I'm not surprised. Don't you think that says more about A.A. being a failure than AARC being a success? And isn't AARC based on A.A., which apparently isn't working? Maybe it's time to step into the 21st century and use methods that aren't based on cultism, mind control, and degradation.
-
What is AA like 5% which is basically a wash.
A.A. has a 5% success rate?! lol I didn't know that, but I'm not surprised. Don't you think that says more about A.A. being a failure than AARC being a success? And isn't AARC based on A.A., which apparently isn't working? Maybe it's time to step into the 21st century and use methods that aren't based on cultism, mind control, and degradation.
Its best to stick with what works until something better comes along.
-
LifeRing Secular Recovery
Moderation Management (MM)
Rational Recovery
Recovery, Inc.
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)
Smart Recovery
Women for Sobriety, Inc................
Or my #1 pick, growing up and becoming mature enough to choose a lifestyle that is not conducive to constant partying.
-
Or my #1 pick, growing up and becoming mature enough to choose a lifestyle that is not conducive to constant partying.
I hear ya on that one. Its every parents dream and a $100k bonus stays in the retirement account ta boot
-
He may use a strawman and you use ad hominems but the man still manages to sustain an 85% success rate with his graduates.
AARC can certainly afford to poll it's former client base yearly. Two questions. Are you abstinant? Have you maintained abstinance since graduation? Pretty simple, they can poll a family member as well. What would this cost - $5000?
They choose not to. They go off a study they had every reason to manipulate. One "study" in 17 years? WTF?
I have known well over 100 graduates. Of that sample, their is no way more than 50% are sober today. I doubt more than 20% have maintained sobriety continuously since leaving AARC. They are pretty open about their usage, once they turn 18 and can't be interned in AARC. Not to mention all the non-addicted kids which is a large proportion. Another polling question - did it take more than a month to accept you were an addict? Thats a pretty good indicator you are not. But you can learn to sound like one to get the hell out of there!
-
I would also put AARC's 'success' rate at around 20%. As for clients who have the disease of addiction, in my opinion- 0 - 5%.
Have you ever met any teens who liked to have one glass of wine while they discussed politics over cheese fondue? Pretty much any kid who drinks is going to do it in excess. Programs like AARC take the criteria for adult addiction and apply it to teens, but it's so blatantly inaccurate - if an adult drank and acted like a 16 year old, then yeah - there's probably a problem there. Of the app. 10 close friends I had before AARC (who were all doing the same things I was), every single one of them is a university graduate and doing great. For those of us who were put into AARC (esp. in our early teens), we never got a chance to grow out of our 'delinquent' phases. Sure, our parents were trying to do they best they could for us, but many of us were just trying to do the best we could as teenagers.
I took several months to get my Step One. The day after I got it, I talked to my old comer because I thought that I'd fooled the staff - I STILL knew that I wasn't an alcoholic. My o/c said, 'Don't worry, we all feel that way.'
Looking back, the moment AARC staff thought I'd admitted powerlessness and finally surrendered to my disease, I'd simply resigned myself to the fact that I was stuck in there. After that, I didn't care that I was there anymore, and by the time I graduated, I was terrified to leave.
-
http://www.kidsofelpaso.com/aboutkids/timeline.html (http://www.kidsofelpaso.com/aboutkids/timeline.html)
History repeats itself
I didn't learn, I wouldn't listen
I couldn't see the books were on the shelf
For my good sense, I never missed 'em
-
Or my #1 pick, growing up and becoming mature enough to choose a lifestyle that is not conducive to constant partying.
I hear ya on that one. Its every parents dream and a $100k bonus stays in the retirement account ta boot
I only know one man who would write "I hear ya" and "ta boot" in two short sentences... Dean Vause.