Reports from research centres--20. Alcohol research at the Hjellestad Clinic

Treatment and research efforts at the Hjellestad Clinic are based on a biobehavioural model of the addictions. The treatment program encompasses life-style changes and relapse prevention, and extensive assessment for the purpose of the treatment choices. The clinic is treating nearly 1500 patients a year. Psychological and medical research projects have included experimental drinking studies, psychopharmacological and biomedical studies, treatment evaluations, studies of neuropsychological assessment, studies of personality subtypes, studies of violence related to alcohol and drugs, and investigations of women alcoholics. A new research laboratory houses an experimental bar, and state-of-the-art facilities for psychophysiological and neuropsychological testing. The Hjellestad Clinic is the only Norwegian centre for clinical and experimental research on the addictions from a psycho-physiological as well as behavioral and cognitive perspective. In addition, a national educational program offers theoretical and practical training for professionals and paraprofessionals in the addictions in co-operation with the University of Bergen. Training in the addictions and internships for psychology students at the University of Bergen is provided at the Clinic. The centre has established connections with centres in Scandinavia, England, Canada and the U.S., through visiting scholars and study trips. (The centre has an especially strong liaison with the Rutgers Center of Alcohol Studies.)