Group Therapy and Hospitalization of Narcotic Addicts

Abstract

Introduction Conflicting opinions have been expressed in the literature concerning the value of group psychotherapy for the treatment of narcotic addicts. Johnston¹ and Thorpe and Smith² claim that it has considerable therapeutic value whereas a popular psychiatric textbook³ states flatly that it is not successful. Likewise there are conflicting opinions regarding the value of hospitalization of addicts with some groups stating that shortterm hospitalization may be satisfactory,⁴ while others believe that the patient should remain hospitalized for a prolonged period so that he can learn to live effectively without drugs.⁵ Both groups agree that prolonged posthospital psychotherapy or follow-up is desirable. This paper reports the results of testing the null hypotheses: (a) Attendance at group psychotherapy meetings has no significant influence on the attitudes of narcotic addict patients; (b) a 2-month period of hospitalization produces no significant change in