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Volume 27, Issue 2 | Fall 2007
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In this issue:
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AADAC website Contact us |
AADAC's Approach to TreatmentOver the years, AADAC’s knowledge about treating people with alcohol, other drug or gambling problems has evolved as a result of both the changing nature of the client population and a better understanding of methods of meeting their needs. Passionate, curious, caring counsellors have brought to AADAC ideas that now underpin our approach: the transtheoretical model of change, motivational interviewing, and the concepts of resiliency and risk and protective factors. As new concepts have been discovered and incorporated, AADAC leaders have used them to guide the development of treatment services into a continuum that fulfills client needs from detoxification to aftercare, but also offers a spectrum of treatment choices, including services offered by community agencies funded by AADAC. This issue of Developments provides an overview of our treatment approach and an inside look at some of the considerations that will influence us now and in the future. For the first article, Developments is indebted to Barry Andres and Allan Aubry, who analyzed the underlying principles of AADAC’s treatment practices, encompassing the best of our past practice and describing the ideas that guide us. In the second article, Andres elaborates on his vision of treatment at AADAC in a wide-ranging interview. |
AADAC’s Current ApproachSimply stated, treatment at AADAC has one purpose: to help clients to resolve substance use or gambling problems by developing the resources and skills they need to lead healthy and productive lives. This statement reflects a lot of the fundamental assumptions that drive AADAC’s approach. It demonstrates AADAC’s focus on the client and on the problems that proceed from addictive behaviour, rather than on the addictive behaviour itself. It reflects the pivotal role of the counsellor as the facilitator of change. And it alludes to the greater social context that can support clients and their families in recovery, and the willingness of AADAC staff to work with other service providers to meet clients’ needs. Treatment at AADACDoing the right things for the people we helpBarry Andres, vice-president of AADAC Community Services, joined the organization as a counsellor in 1986. His resumé at AADAC includes experience as a counselling supervisor in both residential and outpatient treatment, and as a problem gambling consultant, manager of the Henwood residential treatment centre, and executive director of Urban Services. The following interview reveals how his knowledge of clients and their needs informs his thinking as a senior executive. The Back PageOn The Back Page of Developments you can read about conferences, learning opportunities, special events and recommended AADAC resources (always good and sometimes extraordinary value). If you want to advertise on The Back Page, contact Developments for rates and deadlines. |
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