Modeling detoxification treatment relationships: a longitudinal case study from Finland

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe an episodic detoxification treatment relationship as a complex dyadic interaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is inspired by a grounded theory approach. The first author worked in the field at a Finnish detoxification center in the autumn of 2007, 2008, and 2009. The resultant data have been analyzed thematically to form a process model.

Findings

An empirically grounded process model consisting of four states; an initiation state, a fading state, a development state, and an ending state. Each state may include events enabling the process to progress and others that hinder it.

Originality/value

By focussing on an under-studied view of relationships, as dyadic, mental and behavioral, and successful and failing, the model highlights the complexity of the treatment. Furthermore, the model can be used to allocate resources (time, work) to the process states in which they are most needed to aid the success of the relationship.

Citation

Virta, A. and Tähtinen, J. (2014), "Modeling detoxification treatment relationships: a longitudinal case study from Finland", Drugs and Alcohol Today, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 67-75. https://doi.org/10.1108/DAT-12-2013-0053