Evaluation of the Congruence Model with rehabilitating substance abusers

The Congruence Model was used with families of indigent substance abusers. Instead of a focus on pathology, this nursing approach advocated ethnically congruent coping of families within their environment. Forty participants worked on individually chosen goals during eight structured sessions. Evaluation included goal attainment analysis and a comparison of the treated families with families in self-help groups and a control group. Treated families made significant progress with personal and family goals. Treatment and support group families reported better family functioning at one month and fewer relapses two to three months after treatment. The Congruence Model seemed particularly effective if families sought help but did not opt for support groups.