Using ethnographic methodology in substance abuse treatment outcome research

The purpose of this article is to argue for a greater inclusion of ethnography as an adjunctive methodology within the context of traditional substance abuse treatment outcome studies. First we describe what is meant by "ethnographic methodology," then discuss the various methodological elements of ethnographic research that are relevant to substance abuse research. A number of suggested applications of ethnographic research pertaining to a substance abuse treatment outcome context are then presented. The article concludes with a discussion about how ethnographic methods can enhance and broaden our understanding of important questions relating to substance abuse treatment processes and outcomes.