Effective factors of addiction treatment communities in Peru, Nicaragua and Czechia

Purpose This paper aims to explore the effective factors that influence the treatment of drug addiction in therapeutic communities (TCs) and to determine its essential elements in the Peruvian, Nicaraguan and Czech context. Design/methodology/approach The qualitative data were collected during semi-structured interviews with inpatients/clients of seven TCs based in Peru (Takiwasi), Nicaragua (Centro de Especialiades en Adicciones, Centro de Rehabilitación del Alcohólico y Adicto a Otras Drogas and Albergue de Miembros Adictos en Recuperación) and the Czech Republic (Renarkon, Sejrek and Kladno-Dubi). All 90 interviews were manually transcribed, and content analysis was performed. Codes were created using the grounded theory method. Findings The effective factors of TC, treatment in Peru, Nicaragua and Czechia are identical in conditions such as the presence of a personal therapist, the use of psychotherapy and the importance of group cohesion. In Peru, the administration of medicinal plants and diet was perceived as a principal part of the treatment. Nicaraguan TCs were specific for practicing 12 steps. In Czechia, an emphasis is put on the therapeutic program, workshops and leisure activities. Spirituality and religion play a main role in the Peruvian and Nicaraguan TCs only. Originality/value The current study presents a unique insight into the factors considered effective by inpatients/clients of TCs in different socio-cultural contexts.