Recommendations and guidelines regarding the preferred research protocol for investigating the impact of an optimal healing environment on patients with substance abuse.

The addictive disorders affect every aspect of a person's life, and thus the most effective interventions are those that address many or all of these issues. Although the initial evaluation and intake process for addiction assessment is lengthy, this process does give the practitioner an opportunity to provide what can be considered an optimal healing environment (OHE) in treating the addictive disorders. In addition to our traditional medical treatment modalities of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, many complementary and alternative treatment modalities address and provide additional support for the holistic approach to treatment and recovery. The important role of spirituality in obtaining and maintaining recovery and sobriety has been recognized for many years. Because one specific treatment is not effective for all people and for all of the addictive disorders, using a holistic approach and individualizing the treatment regimen is the recommended approach to disease intervention and establishing an OHE. There are instruments available for measuring the facility, the staff, and the patient in their contributions to providing an OHE for substance abuse treatment. This paper suggests study design considerations for investigating the impact of an OHE on the results of treatment and specific instruments designed for use in patients with addictive disorders.