Morgenstern's research suggests that the factors which determine the success of the treatment are usually the individual's determination to make the treatment work, the individual's confidence in his own self-control, and the individual's acceptance of needing to use strategies to avoid taking drugs or drinking. These were found to be the same reasons that any drug or alcohol treatments are successful, including those which are self-initiated. The methodology of the study included the study of 93 people completing 12-step programs in one of two hospitals over the course of three weeks. The programs were designed to motivate the recovering addict by trying to help end denial, give a sense of belonging, and recogniing addiction as a disease. Those who had a strong desire to complete the program in the first place were the most successful and continued going to self-help meetings after the three-week treatment. Those who were not highly motivated to enter the program often returned to consuming alcohol or drugs. The motivational strategies used within the 12-step program were not found to be effective enough.
How did this article answer my research question: This article gave me insight into what motivational techniques are currently being used by popular treatment programs, as well as showing that additional motivational techniques need to be incorporated into treatment or used before sending the person to treatment. Additionally, this article revealed how important motivation is for the alcoholic seeking treatment, because he will not be successful without sufficient motivation.
Liepman, M.R. (1989, June) Evaluation of a program designed to help family and significant others...
American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. Retrived February 24, 2005 from http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0978/is_n2_v15/ai_8543431
This article is about a study done on motivating not only the alcoholic himself but also his social network to encourage seeking treatment for alcohol problems. The social networks in the study consisted of relatives and significant others of the alcoholic, and these people were given advice and counseling on the need to confront the alcoholic about his problem. There were 24 social networks of alcholics involved in this study, and seven of the participating family groups did confront the alcoholic directly about the problem. The results of the study indicated that alcoholics that are formally confronted by their friends or family are a lot more likely to seek treatment, including detox programs or self-help treatment programs. Additionally, those who were directly confronted by members of their social network were also more likely to remain sober than those who were not confronted, whether or not treatment was saught. Encouraging social networks to confront those with drinking problems may help prevent the need for a crisis to occur before the alcholic seeks treatment, and may cause treatment to be more effective.
How did this article answer my research question: In addition to health care workers and peers, the motivation for the alcoholic of being confronted by his own social network can be the factor which leads him to seek treatment. Additionally, being formally confronted by his friends and family may help keep the alcoholic motivated to remain sober during and after treatment.
