Uniform Standards for Substance User Treatment Research: An Example from Germany for the United States and Other Countries

Abstract

It is only through reasoned, accurate treatment evaluation research that its effectiveness can be assessed. The value of these data can be limited, however, by variability of methods and noncomparability of data. This is not the case, however, in other western countries. Germany has developed and is using a set of research and publication standards which speak to many of these deficiencies. These standards, described here in some detail, can serve as a model for regular, uniform, and universal data collection, thus allowing for some meaningful comparisons and assessments of in-situ treatment and the individuals receiving it.

Vocational rehabilitation of drug abusers.

“…[Hrsg. ], 1992), developed in Germany, may serve as a model for the development of measurement tools (Platt, Bühringer, Widman, Künzel, & Lidz, 1994).…”

Researching the treatment of drinking problems: a call for external as well as internal validity

“…In addition, related to the poor methodological quality of studies, I would suggest-as a preventive measuredeveloping some guidelines for basic aspects of (1) study design, (2) the carrying-out of studies and (3) necessary information for publications. The standards of the German Society for Addiction Research and Therapy are one example (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Suchtforschung und Suchttherapie 1992; see also Platt et al 1996).…”