The development and evaluation of an integrated Christian psychological secondary treatment model for substance abusers

D.Litt. et Phil. (Psychology)Research shows a consistent increase in substance abuse. Research further states that recovery is a long-term process and that relapse rates are high. Substance abuse has a devastating effect on all dimensions of an abuser's life. Substance abuse research primarily focuses on primary care intervention. This study focuses on secondary phase treatment because of the long-term nature of the disease. Research indicates that a holistic integrated treatment, using a bio-psychosocial spiritual approach, may yield the best treatment outcome. Many treatment models acknowledge the spiritual aspect of substance abuse, but overlook the value of focusing on the spiritual aspect to effect holistic improvement. This study proposes that such a focus, when part of an integrated treatment model, may augment treatment outcome. The researcher set out to develop and evaluate an integrated Christian psychological secondary phase treatment model for substance abusers. The theoretical framework of this study integrates aspects of contemporary models, existing models and a Christian treatment model. Integrative psychotherapy produces treatment models that are more complete and result in more effective treatment. Five treatment components were systematically integrated to form a meta model. These components comprised: contemporary psychological models, professionally developed models, a Christian model, the psychology of religion and Christian psychology. The Christian belief of the study participants was included as the fifth component. This resulted in the development of a Christian-based psychological model that was applied and evaluated for its potential to promote recovery, prevent relapse and maintain abstinence. The developed model consisted of three phases: assessment, intervention and evaluation..