Can addiction be treated like chronic illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes? Join us on Hatching Creativity as we sit down with Dr. Annie Peters, a leading expert in behavioral health care and the Director of Research and Education at the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP). Dr. Peters takes us through her fascinating career, from her impactful clinical work at renowned institutions like Hazelden Betty Ford and Harmony Foundation, to her innovative endeavors with FORCE (Foundation for Recovery, Science, and Education). FORCE is setting new standards in addiction treatment by supporting providers in measuring and improving treatment outcomes through meticulous data collection. Dr. Peters shares key insights from their groundbreaking first report, released in June 2023, which included contributions from 55 treatment providers and detailed plans for future expansions.
Understanding addiction as a chronic illness requires more than treating symptoms; it necessitates a holistic approach to improving health and behaviors over time. Dr. Peters discusses the hurdles in measuring treatment outcomes, emphasizing the subjective nature of success and the critical role of understanding procedural nuances. We also explore how staff satisfaction and client feedback are indispensable tools for enhancing treatment quality. Through tools like staff surveys and net promoter scores, Dr. Peters explains how actively involving staff in data analysis can reflect patient progress, fostering a more engaged and effective treatment environment. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that places transparency, accountability, and innovation at the forefront of addiction treatment.