Home > Examining the outcomes, variables, factors and experiences influencing recovery for participants in an abstinence-based residential intervention for drug and alcohol addiction.

The mixed-methods study seeks to examine the outcomes of Aiseiri’s abstinence-based residential addiction treatment intervention for adults as well as exploring the factors associated with the process of recovery. Key research objectives include examining outcomes across a range of measures; understanding the role of recovery capital in recovery pathways; the relationship between addiction treatment and desistance from crime; and how recovery and treatment is mediated by a range of individual and social variables.

There has only been one empirical study of Aiseiri’s addiction treatment service to date which was over twenty years ago (Leane and Powell, 1994). It would appear that few, if any, empirical studies have examined treatment outcomes specific to the Minnesota Model in Ireland. It is hoped that the current study will result in the delivery of a more effective service as well as contributing to the literature in the relevant fields of addiction, treatment and recovery.

The quantitative element of the project utilises the Treatment Outcomes Profile, the World Health Organisation Quality of Life questionnaire as well as demographic data from the National Drug Treatment Reporting System. A fourth and novel instrument will measure levels of self-control, stress, anxiety and depression as well as recovery capital. Data sweeps will take place at baseline, 6, 12 and 18 months.

The qualitative element of the study will conduct 22 in-depth interviews initially focusing broadly on substance use history, treatment experiences, recovery and life after treatment. Thematic analysis from these interviews will inform the interview schedule for subsequent follow-up rounds of interviews which will take place at 6-month intervals for the duration of the project.

This project received ethical clearance in January 2015 from Waterford Institute of Technology and began data collection in June 2015.