This is the main research question. Other questions as a way to introduce the topic can be asked. Those questions are, What specific methods or approaches are more successful at treating substance use disorders then others? What factors determine the success of individuals in substance abuse treatment programs?
This is the hypothesis of the paper.
One prevailing argument is that individuals appear to be more successful in treatment when external pressures are resolved. Childcare, problems with social support and a lack of spousal support all serve as distractions in treatment and often result in the individual leaving treatment early.
Research also shows that women enter substance abuse treatment with concerns of sexually transmitted diseases and communication issues (Rao et al, 2009). Specific interventions which include curricula that address HIV/AIDS prevention result in higher retention rates (Rao et al, 2009).
This is the second argument that supports the hypothesis. Treatment success is related to external motivation to change. Making a personal decision to change is a major factor in intrapsychic changes (Cunningham, Koski-Jannes & Toneatto, 1999). Internal changes are needed for the individual to make lasting changes that support sobriety.
Treatment outcomes are improved when individuals gain internal motivation to change.
This is the third prevailing argument that supports the hypothesis. Individuals are more likely to succeed in treatment when a therapeutic alliance is established with treatment professionals. Resistance to treatment can also be overcome by building a therapeutic alliance with counselors or therapists.
It is the treatment professional’s responsibility to actively establish a therapeutic alliance with the substance abuse patient (Barber, 1995). When a therapeutic alliance is formed the patient will begin to trust the professional. Trust is an important factor in treatment success (Barber, 1995).
This is the final prevailing argument that supports the hypothesis. Individuals appear to be more engaged in treatment when their family is involved in treatment (Rao et al, 2009).
Family based interventions improve retention of those in treatment as well as decreases their chances of relapse after they leave treatment. Studies show that teens in family-based therapy not only reduce their drug use during treatment but also maintain these treatment gains up to twelve months post discharge (Rao et al, 2009).
This slide addresses the strengths of the articles used for this paper. The first bullet is a strengths because using multiple treatment approaches shows that the hypothesis applies to multiple approaches. The second bullet is another strength of the articles used. This is a strength because it also shows that the hypothesis can be applied to different ages and genders.
This slide addresses the weaknesses of the articles used for this paper. The first bullet is a weakness because the formation may be outdated based on the age of the three articles that are over ten years old. The second bullet is a weakness because verbal reports from substance abusers is often exaggerated or lacks accuracy.
All of these future research questions would further this area of study and would expand the hypothesis.
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