ABSTRACT
An effective therapeutic treatment for drug addiction is still being sought. In fact, it has been pointed out that the traditional approaches are not appropriate with the addict population [1,2]. Recently there have been attempts to structure the therapeutic encounter and to explore new techniques. Switzer [3] for example, describes a procedure called “feeling therapy” that incorporates aspects of Reality, Primal and Gestalt therapy in working with drug addicts, while Bratter employs a heavy dose of confrontation along with Reality Therapy that he claims to be successful with adolescent drug abusers [4]. The present article describes the basis for using a Gestalt Therapy approach in drug treatment, and an account of its use with individuals and groups within a drug treatment program.
