Enhancing the Referral-Making Process to 12-Step Programs: Strategies for Social Workers

Keywords

substance abuse treatment, 12-step programs, treatment compliance, practice research, recovery

Abstract

Objectives:

This study examines three preparatory strategies that can be used during treatment sessions to bridge the gap between clinician recommendations for client participation in 12-step programs (TSPs) and client adherence to such recommendations.

Methods:

A sample of 284 clinicians completed an online survey. Clinicians responded to items measuring their willingness to motivate client participation in TSPs, integrate 12-step principles into sessions, and form positive attitudes toward 12-step culture. Analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Results:

Clinician attitudes toward 12-step culture had a significant effect on clinician willingness to motivate client participation in TSPs. Clinician attitudes toward 12-step culture also mediated the effect of integrating 12-step principles into treatment sessions on willingness to motivate client participation in TSPs.

Conclusions:

Because positive attitudes toward 12-step culture play a central role in the referral-making process, it is recommended that clinicians cultivate positive attitudes toward 12-step culture.

Original Publication Citation

Dennis, C. B. & Davis, T. D. (2017). Enhancing the referral-making process to 12-step programs: Strategies for social workers. Research on Social Work Practice, 27(4), 423-433.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2015-05-27

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5860

Publisher

Research on Social Work Practice

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Social Work

University Standing at Time of Publication

Assistant Professor

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