Balancing standards and flexibility – Preconditions for a recovery-based tool in a Swedish alcohol and drug treatment context

This article presents the outcome of the first phase in the development of a recovery capital-based assessment tool in a Swedish alcohol and drug treatment context. In the process of studying the potential usefulness of such a tool, other aspects besides psychometric properties and validity have been examined. The experience and knowledge of professionals in the Swedish alcohol and drug treatment context represent the empirical data. Five group interviews have been conducted with staff from different alcohol and drug treatment facilities in Sweden. The respondents were asked to discuss an outlined idea of a recovery capital-based assessment tool. The transcribed interviews were thematically analysed and divided into three themes: the impact and need for assessment and evaluation, the need for flexibility and simplicity, and the role of the professional. The findings indicate that there is a demand for a strength-based tool in the Swedish alcohol and drug treatment context. There was a divergence between the professionalism of the social work practitioners and the use of assessment tools. To meet this divergence, the professionals emphasized aspects such as simplicity and flexibility. The findings indicate that the conditions are favourable for the implementation of a recovery capital tool in a Swedish alcohol and drug treatment context, but certain questions remain unanswered. This requires further cooperation with professionals, and in particular provides them with the possibility to reflect on its usefulness and applicability, while applying it to their daily work and procedures.