ference in perspective is associated with both negative and positive consequences. One of the more negative consequences is that there is, among many African-Americans, suspicion and distrust of authorities and the ability of authorities to improve their circumstances. This perspective has implications for their utilization of treatment services. Specifically, Klingenberg (1995) has noted that African-Americans, especially poor and under-educated African-Americans, will often forego follow-up or aftercare when leaving the hospital for psychological problems.
An implication of Klingenberg's observances is that African-Americans in need of treatment for substance abuse need a model that overcomes their distrust of the system. It seems reasonable to state that since the holistic model deals with sociopolitical variables as one of the factors contributive to substance abuse, this treatment intervention may be appropriate for use with black substance abusers in that it acknowledges client's pain, stress, and pressure from sociopolitical realities.
According to Woody and Springer (1985), the holistic systems treatment model is an intervention which acknowledges the contributions of biological, psychological, and social factors to health and illness behaviors, both psychological and physical illnesses.
An excellent example of a substance abuse program utilizing a holistic systems model is provided by Schmid who describes a medium-term (four to six months) inpatient withdrawal program for alcoholic males. According to Schmid, the holistic systems treatment approach was applied in the clinic.
As an intervention, the approach included acknowledgement and treatment for the multiple etiologic aspects of alcoholism; moreover, it underscored the need for comprehensive diagnosis and individualized treatment in therapeutic respects. In addition, clients were treated by an entire multidisciplinary team that included medical d...