In Search of Evidence-Based Treatment in TCs for Addictions: 40 Years of Research in TC De Kiem (Belgium)

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Despite more than 40 years of research, limited evidence is available for the effectiveness of drug-free therapeutic communities (TCs). Worldwide, TCs have attempted succesfully to integrate innovative and evidence-based interventions, while adhering to the “community as method” (De Leon, 2000 De Leon, G. (2000). The therapeutic community: Theory, model and method. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company. [Google Scholar]). This article is a case study of scientific research on practice and innovations in a TC, De Kiem (Belgium), over the past 40 years, illustrating how research and innovative approaches have shaped the TC into its current practice. From the start, scientific research was used to develop and adapt the TC program. International collaboration introduced new ideas, instruments, and methods and promoted a culture of inquiry. Several interventions that were implemented have contributed successfully to increased program retention, like the introduction of a welcome house phase, social network support, and a mother and child program.