Journal of Translational Neurosciences

An Innovative tool for supporting and measuring Recovery in Therapeutic Communities

Statement of the Problem: Too often organizations supporting those with addiction problems report outputs or activities rather than using measures that provide an in-depth understanding of the journey beneficiaries make. When outcome measures are used, they typically capture practitioner or beneficiary viewpoints but do not combine these perspectives or benefit the therapeutic relationship. The Drug and Alcohol Star, a version of the Outcomes Star, was developed to address these needs. Completing the Outcomes Star is integral to service delivery and fits well with Motivational interviewing (MI). Both the Star and MI approaches are client centred, strengths based, focus on solutions not problems and engage the individual to uncover where there are in the change process. The Drug and Alcohol Star involves beneficiaries and practitioners collaborating to agree needs, action plans and progress. Following calls for a version of the Outcomes Star for gambling addiction, this study identified the outcome areas and ‘Journey of Change’ for a Gambling Star suitable for therapeutic communities and other settings. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Drawing on Participatory Action Research principles, two focus groups were conducted with practitioners and beneficiaries in Australian addiction services. The outcome areas and Journey of Change were identified using an iterative process of drafting and refinement. Findings: The eight outcomes areas identified as being impacted on by gambling, and the five Journey of Change stages were as follows: Detailed descriptors for the 10-points of the Journey of Change stages within each outcome area are currently being piloted. Acceptability and validity will be assessed using pilot data. Conclusion & Significance: The Outcomes Star offers a way to enhance delivery and assessment of addiction services. Therapeutic communities can benefit from using the Drug and Alcohol Star and Gambling Star, empowering beneficiaries, building insight and measuring outcomes in areas impacted by addiction.

Nick Karr, Joy MacKeith and Anna Good