Introduction
As a Special Education Director, I am constantly seeking ways to enhance the skills of practitioners within our school district. Today, I want to share insights from a fascinating research article titled "Attitudes towards 12-step groups and referral practices in a 12-step naive treatment culture; a survey of addiction professionals in Norway." This study offers valuable lessons for addiction professionals and encourages further exploration into the integration of 12-step groups in treatment practices.
The Study: An Overview
The research conducted by Vederhus et al. (2009) focused on the attitudes and referral practices of addiction professionals in Norway towards 12-step groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). The study aimed to understand how these professionals perceive and utilize 12-step groups in a treatment culture that is relatively unfamiliar with the 12-step philosophy.
Key Findings
- Moderately Positive Attitudes: The study found that Norwegian addiction professionals generally held moderately positive attitudes towards 12-step groups.
- Low Referral Rates: Despite positive attitudes, the referral rates to 12-step groups were notably low, with more than six out of ten professionals not referring any patients to these groups in the previous week.
- Knowledge Gap: A significant finding was the low level of knowledge about 12-step groups among professionals, which contributed to the low referral rates.
- Influence of 12-Step Integration: Professionals who integrated the 12-step philosophy into their treatment work and had higher self-efficacy for making successful referrals were more likely to refer patients to 12-step groups.
Implications for Practitioners
The study highlights the need for education and training to raise awareness and knowledge about 12-step groups among addiction professionals. Here are some actionable steps practitioners can take to improve their skills and referral practices:
- Increase Knowledge: Attend workshops, webinars, or conferences focused on 12-step groups to enhance understanding and familiarity.
- Integrate 12-Step Philosophy: Explore ways to incorporate 12-step principles into your treatment work, regardless of the therapeutic orientation.
- Boost Self-Efficacy: Develop strategies to increase confidence in making successful referrals to 12-step groups.
- Foster Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between treatment facilities and 12-step groups to facilitate smoother referral processes.
Encouraging Further Research
The findings of this study underscore the importance of further research into the integration of 12-step groups in treatment settings outside the US. Practitioners are encouraged to explore the potential benefits of 12-step groups and consider conducting their own research to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in this field.
Conclusion
By embracing the insights from this research, addiction professionals can enhance their skills and improve patient outcomes through effective referral practices to 12-step groups. This study serves as a reminder of the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the ever-evolving field of addiction treatment.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Attitudes towards 12-step groups and referral practices in a 12-step naive treatment culture; a survey of addiction professionals in Norway.
