A Cross-Cultural Study of Drug-Dependency Treatment Facilities: Comparing Contra Costa County, California, to Berlin, Germany
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Authors
Gempf, Detlev (Ted)
Issue Date
1991
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to complete a general cross-cultural comparison of government-assisted psychiatric treatment facilities, that are available to low-income, adult, substance abusers, excluding alcoholics. I chose to compare Contra Costa County, California, to 41 Berlin, Germany, by interviewing some of their respective therapists. I found that the County relies heavily on the 12-step program as developed by Alcoholics Anonymous, is more short-term oriented, and focuses only on getting the client off drugs. Berlin, in contrast, uses mostly psychodynamic psychotherapy, has more freedom in varying its treatment modalities and programs, has more open-ended therapy, and in addressing its clients' dependency needs, also targets other associated mental health problems. In addition, Berlin separates its outreach, or client advisory services, from its treatment facilities, whereas the County combines the two. I found, furthermore, that success rates are not well researched nor documented in either locale. My analyses, and numerous conclusions, are contained in the Discussion, Section 8.0, of this paper. My major conclusion is a reaffirmation and restatement of the original premises, that no particular modality gives the definitive answers, and we can improve our drug dependency treatments by studying and leaving our minds open to, the different approaches found in other cultures.
Description
Year estimated from latest work cited in bibliography.