INTRODUCING COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL TRAINING INTO A SELF-HELP DRUG TREATMENT PROGRAM

This article describes the mechanics of introducing cognitive-behavioral training into a self-help drug treatment program. It highlights issues that have emerged in our experience of developing such a paradigm in an outpatient clinic treatment program for cocaine users, implementing a modified therapeutic community (TC) approach. Although cognitive-behavioral training shares the TC emphasis on self-help, a systematic approach is needed for it to achieve acceptance within the intense cohesiveness of the TC. Once sanctioned, cognitive-behavioral training may serve as a multi-faceted adjunct to the TC approach at all stages of treatment.