Abstract
The paper describes the methodology used to evaluate two farming communes for young drug addicts. The communes were founded in 1970 by ex-patients and young idealists who believed in alternative ways of solving human problems.
The period evaluated was from. 1970–1975. Employees and former members were interviewed in 1977 and 1978. The clients had a follow-up period of 8 to 105 months with a mean period of 55 months.
The two seemingly identical communes differed widely in content. Situational factors and pre-project circumstances were decisive factors. Client members in both communes provided convincing evidence of having experienced real alternatives to institutional life. Process evaluation leads to several conclusions concerning the conditions necessary for such alternatives to be effective.
At follow-up the communes differed in their resultant profiles. One commune was more successful with youngsters who were mainly abusing cannabis and hallucinogens. The other was more successful with “mainliners.” Both communes were found to compete favorably with ordinary treatment facilities.
Some tentative conclusions are offered.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.