The “New” Drug-Free Therapeutic Community: Challenging Encounter of Classic and Open Therapeutic Communities

In view of a rapidly changing society, reflected in many changes within the drug-free Therapeutic Communities (TCs), the question has been raised: “What can and cannot be changed in this modality?” This question was addressed at a European conference of experienced therapeutic community workers, who concluded that many changes have occurred and will continue to occur, but some basic concepts should be preserved. The changes inherent in postmodern society are examined here in an effort to foresee their impact on the evolution of the TC. Necessary changes and additions are discussed.