Modified Therapeutic Communities for Dual Disorders

The pervasive use of drugs in the general population, and the clearly established relationship between drug abuse and psychological disorder underscore the importance of diagnoses and treatment in both the mental health and drug abuse services system. Therapeutic Communities (TCs) have evolved a potent model for modifying drug abuse behavior and reducing psychological symptoms. Its success has been most evident with the primary substance abuser with personality disorder. However, the TC has much to offer the increasing numbers and various types of individuals who manifest their dysfunctionality both through drug use and psychological maladjustment.