Using focus group interviews to understand staff perceptions from training in the therapeutic community model

The current article is concerned with the use of focus group interviews in understanding staff perceptions of training to work with drug users during the different stages of change from addiction to rehabilitation in the Therapeutic Community model. The article discusses the use of the focus group interview as the most appropriate method for the scope of this study, based on the assumption that trainees are aware of their own needs and demands from training. Methodological issues relevant to the use of focus groups and the individual responses to the training program are discussed. The content and structure of the training program are also discussed. The article concludes that gaining information on people's own perceptions and experiences from the training process can contribute significantly to program improvement

Staff training in Greek therapeutic communities for drug addicts: An experiential approach

Training staff to combat drug use is not an easy task given the range of different treatment models and professionals in this field. Treatment models range from pharmacotherapies through outpatient approaches to drug-free self-help groups and therapeutic communities. Staff working in Greek therapeutic communities for drug addicts constitute a mixed group, ranging from some who have already acquired a professional identity through university studies to others being ex-addicts who base their work mainly on a personal treatment experience. This present paper is focused around the experiential approach to training programmes in the drug addiction field. Consideration is given to the origins in a generic TC with special reference made to the therapeutic communities movement in the Greek context. The development and history of training within hierarchical TCs will be explored and the tensions between the professional staff group and the ex-addict staff group will be discussed. The paper suggests that the improvement of existing services and the development of better facilities for drug addicts and their families require greater emphasis and resource allocation for staff trainin